I can only be tempted by what is in me We see that God allows us to be tempted so that we see where we are still not loving purely and where we still have disorders. Then the light of the Spirit can work through the light of our conscience to purify us. Community, Love Crucified. Teaching Manual Love Crucified 2020 (pp. 74-75). Kindle Edition. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempted he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."" - James 1:13-15 ++++++++++ I can only be tempted by what is already within me. Temptation reveals the areas where love is not yet pure and where disorder still exists. God allows this so that, through the light of conscience and the Spirit, we can be purified. For example, I am rarely tempted by alcohol or drugs—they hold little attraction for me. But gluttony? That is another matter. I do not eat excessively every day, yet there are moments when I indulge in what I know I should avoid. I enjoy almost all foods—except Brussels sprouts! They could never tempt me. This struggle humbles me. I know the Holy Spirit is working in me, though I am not always cooperative. If I lived outside the monastery, I fear I would be quite large. After my surgery, I lost weight and strive to keep it off, but it is a slow process. Why this weakness? I believe it springs from a fear of emptiness—a desire to escape hunger, both physical and spiritual. At times I am strong; at other times, very weak. The void I try to fill cannot be satisfied with food, yet I still attempt it and then feel remorse. God, in His wisdom, built consequences into our excesses—hangovers taught me to hate drinking; overeating brings discomfort. This is my most humiliating struggle. Facing the truth about oneself can lead to self-contempt, even self-hatred. That is why Jesus commands us to love ourselves. Love keeps us on the path, even when we stumble. —Br. MD
Yes, I know the feeling of being sad and frustrated over falling for the same temptations again and again. They can be opportunities for acquiring humility rather than piling on the guilt. How patient Christ is and ever ready to embrace the repentant once more. [ parable of the prodigal son!]
I heard Father Ripperger say that the demons are allowed to tempt us in the direction God wants us to grow in. So if we are tempted say to be a miser or selfish it is because God wants us to grow in the virtue of being charitable and generous. I said to my Spiritual Director I was sorry for keeping bring him the same sins week after week, to which he replied, 'Would it not be worse if you bringing me new sins?' We both laughed. I seem to remember reading one saint saying one time that they thought God sometimes permitted areas of sin to continue in the soul for His own purposes. Perhaps to teach us humility. I suspect that this may be so.
