Temptations past present and future

Lent is always a time of reflection and a submission to discipline for those of us who are practicing our Christianity. It really is as simple as that as we journey towards the cross. During our journey whether it is Lent or any other time of the year there are three temptations that are perennial. They constantly appear on our horizon and in a way Lent is our opportunity to seal the fate of a least one of them in our lives by disciplining ourselves to stop and deny the temptation. The three temptations are set out for us in Matthew's gospel (Mtt. 4.1-11) as well as Luke. The temptations are around greed, power and fame/fortune. However, if we look at all of them with a bit of a slant we can say that they all base themselves around greed. Greed is the need to fill ourselves with something over and above what is necessary or even healthy in an excessively selfish manner.

The temptation of greed when it comes to food is classed as gluttony but can be less than this if it denies others in the process. Christ is tempted with the greed associated with food at a point in time when he is without doubt hungry (Matt. 4.3-4). This is perhaps the most basic greed we can have when we look after ourselves and not think of others in their time of need. I remember attending a function in the Middle East where there was a roast camel on the table with other dishes. It was the most profound sight seeing people dive into the food with no consideration to either guests of the function or others present. The roast was torn apart quite literally to fill the needs of the individual. This is what happens when we succumb to this basic of temptations. We gorge ourselves with no concern for others who may go without. In our journey to the cross we need to remind ourselves that even when it comes to the chocolate feast we are not immune to our own greed. The temptation is seen in wider contexts as we consider that the world can feed itself if it wanted to the problem is distribution and profit or greed.

Greed is what tempts us whether it is power, sustenance or fame

Greed in terms of fame and fortune can characterise the next temptation (Matt. 4.5-6), something we perhaps see on a routine basis in today's society. If we look at the various social media platforms each has their "star" who is lauded and famed. The greed for attention is rampant and does not bode well for good family or community life. My attention was drawn to the fact that this fame culture has spawned a negative culture commonly called "cancel culture" which is an attempt to defame others for kudos and success. This is what has been rejected by the Christian faithful but is so powerful that it draws us away from a faith in Christ and God. Our whole civilisation is built on success and the toxic greed for that success in the world. Our whole work ethic is driven by being the best and celebrating the best. If we are not the best then we are worthless to society. If we look at the rising number of teen suicides that occur each year as a result of our drive towards success and notoriety we can see the work of this temptation.

The final form of greed is portrayed in the last temptation (Matt. 4.8-9). This is the greed displayed by politicians and those who garner power and authority within the world. It is not to assist but to garner the power that is presented before them much as it is presented before Christ. We are all susceptible to this call whether we are farmers, councillors or people living ordinary lives. The possibility of power, of authority over others is always present to us. How we handle that temptation of greed determines how we handle our leadership and our authority within the world. Only when we come to terms with these three temptations of greed are we ready to form community, to give up power and allow others who are better qualified to take it up. To give up the chance of instant fame and acknowledgement to give thanks for others who have assisted and helped in all that they do and to feed those who are crying in hunger rather than scape our unwanted food into the garbage. This is what Christ calls us to in his resistance to temptation, to care for others and not consider our own lives or our own needs.