Temptations

It's OK, just this once. At least you aren't looking at porn. It's OK, they're wearing bikinis. It's only one drink. I'm not driving anywhere so I can have as many as I like. It's not my fault if they gave me too much change at the register. 

The devil is really good at what he does. He is more than happy to help you justify your sins. To help you wear them like a comfortable sweater. This is especially true as we get closer to God. Satan does not really need to tempt those that are not close to God. But for those who are close to God, he will be extra vigilant. This may be part of the reason we are seeing so many cases of church officials succumbing to temptations and living in sin. We see this in the Catholic church, true, but also in other denominations and even in other public positions. 

We want to be close to God but we don't want all of these temptations. Holy Scripture tells us that when we follow Christ we will be tempted. Over the last six months, my faith life has really taken off. I feel closer to Jesus than I have ever felt. I am also feeling the attacks with much more intensity.

As long as I was just sitting there watching I was not a threat to Satan. So, what are we to do when these attacks come? I think the answer is a three pronged attack. Funny, there is the three again. So many parts of our faith revolve around the trinity. So, here is the 3-pronged attack plan.

1. Prayer - frequent, daily prayer. Try practicing, "The presence of God". Also, Liturgy of the Hours and praying the Scriptures

2. Fasting - self-denial is key. Fasting from food is good but also think about fasting from others things as well. From those things that may be keeping you from getting close to God.

3. Sacraments - probably the most important thing. There is no greater source of healing and strength than the Eucharist. The body of Christ coming into us to give us strength. Reconciliation is also vital and a great gift of the church.