Images as related to humanity

Images as related to humanity

What are the images that we should seek and allow us to guide our quest towards holiness? 

No matter how hard it may appear to find a direction that is without temptations, we must answer God in the same way that Jesus countered Satam’s attacks.  Satan used the same method when questioning Jesus that he will use when approaching us; using the most personal issue that will trap us into submission.  The very words he spoke to get our Lord’s attention which might have caused him to succumb to Satan; “If you are the Son of God?”  

Jesus came back at Satan on all the three temptations by using Scripture as a direct way to put him down.  (I)  “It is written, "One does not live by bread alone.”  (II)  “It is written, " You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”  (III)  “I also say, " You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”  (Lk 4:  3 - 12).  

Are we able to use the same scenario and respond similarly?  First we will not be attacked with the words of scripture, but the essence of the Holy Word in the bible will in fact become the basis of all sinful approaches.  

Of all the modern technology that is corrupting humanity, the sin against purity has appeared to trap most people in a shroud of false views by bringing sexual gratification to the many.  Through the internet and TV most people whose weakness exists with sex, we have become saturated with models dressing with almost nothing above the waist.  A cloud of immorality has made the sexual occurrences at all ages something that seems to be a natural phenomenon.  Even adolescents and younger are living with the idea that sex and all its images is normal.  With that in mind, the moral order has become the immoral style keeping catechesis of faith to the youngest of our society out of reach.   

For Satan to confront Jesus by finding a pattern to have him reject the very reason his Incarnation fell short,  The last sentence from chapter 4 of Luke becomes the next time Satan will attempt to upset the mission of Jesus.  “When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.”  (Lk 4: 13).

The next temptation occurred; “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still not my will but yours be done.”  Here Satan tries the last time to inject rejection from God’s will that completes the task of the Incarnation:  The means the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit concluded that this Paschal Sacrifice was the only way to forgive sin and bring his children home.  When Christ bowed his head saying “It is finished.”  (Jn 19: 30).  This concludes Satan’s last effort to commit the failure of Christ and brought about his own destiny of hell.  

Which image you and I choose to follow will depend on the direction our faith has allowed the grace of God to become the most endearing facility within our souls.

Ralph B. Hathaway