Listening, Trusting, Choosing
This week’s readings — Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7 and Matthew 4:1–11 — draw us into two deeply human moments: encounters with temptation.
In Genesis, Adam and Eve stand in a garden of abundance. Nothing is lacking. Yet a voice of doubt quietly asks, “Did God really say…?”
A seed of uncertainty is planted. Trust wavers. A choice is made.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus stands in the wilderness. Hungry. Alone. Vulnerable.
Again, a voice whispers. Again, there is temptation.
But this time, the response is different: Jesus answers with truth, trust, and steadfast faith.
🌿 What do these stories reveal to us?
Temptation rarely arrives loudly.
More often, it slips in gently:
- “Take the easier path.”
- “Put yourself first.”
- “Surely it doesn’t matter…”
Both readings remind us that temptation is not simply about behaviour — it is about who we listen to and whom we trust.
🕊 A gentle invitation for this week:
✨ Notice the voices competing for your attention
✨ Pause before reacting
✨ Return to God’s Word
✨ Choose trust over fear
Like Adam and Eve, we may stumble.
Like Jesus, we are also given strength.
💛 Prayer for the week
Lord, when doubt whispers and distractions pull at us,
help us to listen for Your voice.
Grant us wisdom in our choices,
courage in our struggles,
and trust in Your unfailing presence.
Amen.
