Temptations

Sometimes it is hard to say no to temptations.  We have all faced temptations.  Even Jesus faced temptations.  As the Bible says in Hebrews 4:14-16:

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find help in time of need.

It is heartening to know that even Jesus faced temptation.  He understands what we go through living in this world.  Jesus also gave us a great example of fighting against those temptations and not giving in to the inclination to sin.  This inclination to sin, or concupiscence, “cannot harm those who do not consent but manfully resist it by the grace of Jesus Christ” (CCC 1264, citing the Council of Trent (1546)).  Jesus wants us to fight those temptations, and He gives us the example of His life to show us how to do so.

Further, Jesus will forgive us if we give in to our temptations.  All we need to do is to confess those sins to a priest in the Sacrament of Penance (CCC 1446, 1456 [“Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance”]).