Tuesday 17 February 2026. Readings: James 1:12-18, Ps. 94:12-15,18-19, Mark 8:14-21
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’. God cannot be tempted with evil, and he tempts no one, but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his desire.” (James 1:13-14)
A few days ago, we read the passage where Jesus taught that bad thoughts are worse than bad food. Whatever we eat cannot defile us, but the thoughts we accommodate within our minds defile us. Jesus noted that all sinful deeds come from our minds. Today, St. James says, “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his desire.” (James 1:14).
In other words, temptations come from within us, from our own desires, from the contents of our minds. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus warned against the bread of the Pharisees, but failing to understand Jesus’ parable, the disciples thought that Jesus was referring to food. What was going on in their minds? Let us now consider today’s lessons.
1. To Know Your Next Temptation, Name Your Desires: Do you want an end to your temptations? Stop pretending; identify your desires. You can only win a war when you know who you are fighting against. Stop the blame game. Since Adam and Eve, we have always pointed fingers at others as the cause of our sinfulness. It is time to face the truth: Neither God nor the devil is to blame, but our desires.
2. The Stronger the Desire, the Bigger the Temptation: Since our temptations come from our insatiable desires, the best way to weaken their power over us is to create new desires. After fasting for forty days, Jesus was hungry, so hungry that he felt like misusing His divine powers. Jesus resisted because His desire for our salvation outweighed His desire for food. How deep is your desire for sainthood? Whatever you hope to achieve, you must desire it passionately. You cannot fight sin unless you truly hate the object of that sin. For instance, we lie to ourselves, saying, “I will stop doing this” Meanwhile, whenever we see it, we secretly crave it.
3. Blessed is the Man Who Endures Trial: There is nothing as painful as wishing for something and seeing it right before you, but you resist the urge to take it. Jesus only needed to say a word to turn stones to bread, but He endured the trial of suffering from hunger. The essence of spiritual growth is self-discipline. One who has not learnt to say “No” to his own desires can fall for anything. I believe God allows us to experience difficult moments to discipline us; to teach us how to say “No” to our cravings. Today’s responsorial psalm says, “Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord.” This is why we must count it all joy when we face trials. Trials show us that we can survive without those things we crave
4. In Moments of Lack, Trust in God’s Providence: As soon as Jesus mentioned the “leaven of the Pharisees”, the first thing Jesus’ disciples said was, “Oh, we forgot to bring bread.” To emphasize He wasn’t talking about food, Jesus reminded them of the miracles of the loaves and fishes. The God you serve created and owns the universe. There is nothing beyond His reach. Let not your lack lead you to panic. You may be lacking many things, seek first God’s kingdom (righteousness) and God who sees your faithfulness despite your pain will reward you.
5. Avoid the Leaven of the Pharisees: The leaven of the Pharisees is the public praise and admiration we receive from others while persisting in our sinfulness secretly. Christianity is not a show. Be good even if no one is watching. On the other hand, we can understand the leaven of the Pharisees to mean the constant demand for signs and wonders. Recall that in a few verses before today’s Gospel passage, Jesus angrily walked away from these Pharisees because they demanded a sign. Stop asking God to prove Himself. Trust and obey. Be assured of His love even when you face trials.
Let us pray: O God, who teach us that you abide in hearts that are just and true, grant that we may be so fashioned by your grace as to become a dwelling pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 6 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: James 1:12-18, Ps. 94:12-15,18-19, Mark 8:14-21)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu