Have you ever wondered why God would allow Jesus to be tempted after he had fasted for so long? We may imagine Jesus as being at his weakest at this moment, but Jesus was actually strongest after his time of fasting. This was when Jesus was most aware of his need for his Father’s help, and so, was also when Jesus was most connected to his Father’s strength! We too can be filled with God’s strength when we are tempted. As we enter the holy season of Lent, we know we will face struggles as we work to follow God more fully. Our challenge is to rely on God’s strength (as Jesus did) rather than our own.

• Reflection by Elizabeth Hansen in “Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families 2024-25” published by Liturgy Training Publications.