Facing Temptation

FAITH IN ACTION:
LIVING AS FAITHFUL PEOPLE
God's Covenant
God Watches Over Joseph

Luke 22:39-46

The Message

A Dark Night

 ^39-40Leaving there, he went, as he so often did, to Mount Olives. The disciples followed him. When they arrived at the place, he said, "Pray that you don't give in to temptation." ^41-44He pulled away from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?" At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face.
 ^45-46He got up from prayer, went back to the disciples and found them asleep, drugged by grief. He said, "What business do you have sleeping? Get up. Pray so you won't give in to temptation."

For Reflection
Tempted by life over death, Christ chose death.  It was his Father's will.  What might have the disciples been tempted to do?  How would giving in to their temptations altered the course of the Christ event?

We are at times tempted by the rational act when irrationality is a calling.  Can you think of a time when the irrational act was most appropriate?

Pray
for courage in carrying out irrational acts in service to God.