For Ash Wednesday, share the following journal reflection on the Temptation of Jesus from Luke 4:1–13.
Ask a student to read Luke 4:1–4.
Explain that the first temptation is to the quick fix, the easy answer, the instant gratification. It’s Veruca Salt screaming at Willie Wonka, “I want it NOW!” The response of Jesus tells us to have patience, to reject the easy fix, and to discover how to rely on God.
Have students respond in their journals to the following:
- In what ways do I seek instant gratification?
- In what areas of my life do I need to learn patience and self-control?
Second Temptation
Ask a student to read Luke 4:5–8.
Tell the class that the second temptation is to power and wealth over and rejects our loving God.
Have the students respond in their journals to the following:
- In what ways do I lord it over others? Put others down?
Third Temptation
Ask a third student to read Luke 4:9–12.
Help the students see that the third temptation is to fame, or to glory. Jesus responds to the devil with humility.
Have the students respond in their journals to the following:
- What temptations to fame come my way via TV, videos, advertising?
- How does the way I spend my money—on clothes, makeup, or whatever—lead me to succumb to this temptation?
Conclusion
Finally, have the students respond in their journals to this question: “To which temptation do you give in to the most?” Tell students that their answer will give them a starting point their Lenten penance—and for their own dying to sin and rising to a new way of living
This lesson is drawn from Catholic Essentials: An Overview of the Faith.
