Friday of 10th week in ordinary time, year 1, 2025 Memorial of St Anthony of Padua, Priest, Doctor

“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into hell.”(Mt 5:29). In today’s Gospel reading the Lord made it clear that we should do away with whatever will lead us to temptation. It is better we enter heaven with one eye than enter hell with two eyes. The message is clear. We should do everything possible to do away with every sources of temptation in our lives. This could be the people in our lives or the places we go and spend time, this could be the films we watch and the habits we have cultivated. The only gain on earth is eternal life. The time on this earth is to prepare for heaven. We are here for a short time of preparation for eternity. We have only once chance to live well and die well so that we can possess our eternal heritage. In the first reading the apostle Paul speaks about the paradox of life through death. But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained, perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal body. (2 Cor. 4:7-10). The apostle Paul is talking about the struggle and difficulties we go through in order to arrive safely at our heavenly home. In view of what lies ahead of us, we should do everything to live for God. We should do everything to avoid occasion of sin. In this reflection, we shall highlight why we should do away with temptation and how to do away with temptation.

Why We Should Do Away With Temptation

First, we should do away with temptation because temptation leads to sin and separation from God. We have a noble duty to fight for the salvation of our souls and ensure that we conquer every form of temptation that is capable of separating us from God. The scripture tells us that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23).  The scripture has this to say, “But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when fully grown, gives birth to death.”(James 1:14-15).
Temptation is shown here as the first step on the path to sin and spiritual death. This is why it is essential that we do away with temptation.

Second, Jesus Christ teaches us to avoid and resist temptation. The Lord has taught us by his own example to do away with temptation and sin. The Lord himself was tempted by the devil in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1–11), yet He did not sin. His resistance is a model for all Christians. We too should day away with temptation and sin because this is the way of the Lord. The Master told us in the following words, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”(Mt 26:41). Jesus reminds His disciples to be vigilant and prayerful to avoid falling into temptation. Holiness Requires Self-Control and Avoidance of Temptation

Third, the path to holiness involves discipline and the grace to resist evil. In other words, we cannot grow towards holiness without doing away with temptation. The Catechism has this to say, “Self-mastery is a long and exacting work. One can never consider it acquired once and for all. It presupposes an apprenticeship in self-denial, sound asceticism, and obedience to the commandments of God.”(CCC #2340). Avoiding temptation is part of the journey to holiness and union with God. This is why we ought to do away with temptation and live a life of sober reflection.

Fourth, we should do away with temptation because of the last judgment. We should always bear in mind that everyone of us will give an account of what he or she did on earth. It is appointed unto a man to die once after which is judgment (Heb. 9:27). Since we are going to give account of our stewardship, it is proper and right that we do away with temptation in every respect.

 Fifth, avoiding temptation is a form of spiritual warfare. The scripture says, “Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”(Eph. 6:11-12).

Temptation is often a battle against spiritual evil, and avoiding it is part of Christian vigilance. In other words, do away with temptation is actually a battle and a struggle which we should take seriously.

How To Do Away With Temptation

First, we should be vigilant and be prayerful. The Master told us to watch and pray for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. (Mt. 26:41). A life of prayer strengthens our connection to God and equips us with the grace to resist temptation. The more we watch over our senses, our thoughts, words, actions and habits, the more we are likely to overcome temptation and sin. This is why the scripture tells us to pray at all times (1Thes. 5:17). When we remain in our knees, we overcome temptation with ease and strength.

 Second, we should receive the Sacraments regularly. Through worthy reception of the Sacraments and celebration of the sacrifice of Mass, we can overcome temptation and easily do away with sin. We receive graces from participation in the sacraments of the Church. Through the sacrament of Baptism we receive the holy Spirit and the gift of faith among others. Through the sacrament of confession (John 20:23), we receive the forgiveness of sins. Through the sacrament of the Eucharist, we receive the real body and blood of Christ and we are empowered for the journey of life. The Sacraments provide grace and spiritual strength to live a life of holiness.

Third, we should avoid the occasion of sin. This means staying away from people, places, or situations that may lead you to sin. The scripture has this to say, “If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice… Before a man are life and death, and whichever he chooses will be given to him. ”(Sirach 15:16-17). In other words, we have the free will to do what is right and to avoid occasion of sin. The gift of prudence is needed to do away with sin and live a life of virtue.

Fourth, we should study and meditate on the sacred scriptures. The word of God is capable of saving us from temptation and living a virtuous life. The scripture is inspired by God. It is useful for teaching, for correction, for refutation, and for training in righteousness. (2 Tim 3:16). The word of God protects you from the deceit and lies of the evil ones. With constant meditation of the scriptures, we grow in faithful. The scripture tells us that faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17). The more we know the promises of God, the more we overcome temptation and sin.

Fifth, we should cultivate a life of fasting and practice self- denial. When we tame the flesh, we overcome every form of temptation easily because, the spirit is strengthened during fasting and mortification. Fasting trains your body and will to submit to the Spirit. The Lord fasted in the desert and overcame the devil’s temptations. (Mt. 4:1-10). We should emulate the example of Jesus who prepared for his public ministry through prayer and fasting. These are some of the ways we can overcome temptations in our lives.

Prayers

Lord, give us the grace to do away with temptation and sin. Lord, deliver us from the love of the world. Lord, help us to be docile and humble in our relationship with you. Lord, give us the gift of understanding and wisdom. Lord, help us to love you above all things. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Wishing you awesome weekend.

With lots of prayers and love.