Sunday, February 29, 2004

The collect (a type of prayer) for today, the first Sunday in Lent:

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be
tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted
by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of
each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

And the Gospel reading for today is Luke 4:1-13, the temptation of Christ.

These remind us that there is a difference between temptation and sin. Jesus was tempted as we are (and in some ways much more), yet without sin.

I think sometimes we lay false guilt on ourselves and on others not because of sin, but simply because of temptation. But temptation is not sin, nor an occasion for guilt. Instead, if we resist temptation, that is cause to be glad. For to resist temptation is Christ-like.

And, yes, I think that is important to remember when discussing *that* issue.

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