Vigils Reading – 1st Sun of Lent

THE GREAT VALUE

OF FASTING

From a commentary by St John Chrysostom

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Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the

devil. What does “then” mean? After the Spirit descended, after the voice from

heaven said: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. The amazing

thing is that Scripture says it was the Holy Spirit who led him there!

All that Jesus did and suffered was for our instruction. He consented to be

led into the desert and to do battle with the devil so that when the baptized were

assailed by greater temptations after baptism than before they would not be

troubled as though this were something unexpected, but would remain

steadfast, bearing them all nobly. You did not receive weapons so that you might

sit at ease, but so that you might fight!

The reason God does not prevent the onslaught of temptations are these:

First, so that you may learn that you have become now much stronger; then, so

that you may remain modest, for you will not be puffed up by the greatness of

your gifts if temptations can humble you; next, because the wicked demon may

doubt at first whether you have really renounced him, and the test of temptation

will convince him of your total desertion; fourth, to confirm you, who are now

stronger and steadier than iron; fifth, to give you clear evidence of the treasures

committed to you. The devil would not have attacked you if he had not seen that

you have been raised to a position of great honor.

Notice where it was that the spirit led Jesus – not into the city or the

market place, but into the desert. Since Jesus wished to entice the devil he gave

him his opportunity not only by his own hunger, but also by his choice of place.

The devil usually attacks people when he sees them alone by themselves. He

does not dare to do so when he sees them together with others. It is for this

reason especially that we should frequently meet with one another. If we do not

we may become an easy prey for the devil. And so, the devil finds Jesus in the

desert, in a trackless wilderness.

Consider how vile and wicked the devil’s approach is, and what sort of

opportunity he watches for. He does not come near when Jesus is fasting, but

only when he is hungry. You should learn from this the great value of fasting and

that no weapon is more powerful against the devil. After baptism you should not

be filled with food and drink from a well laden table, but should rather devote

yourself to fasting. Jesus fasted not because he himself had any need to do so,

but to give us an example.