1.
In the First Reading from the Book of Genesis we witness the temptation of Eve by the serpent.
What is the essence of Eve’s temptation?
Why would God allow Eve to be tempted (i.e. allow the tree of the knowledge of good and evil to exist at all, allow Eve to desire it, allow the serpent to tempt her)?
Is there any spiritual benefit to be had from being allowed to be tempted to do evil?
Consider how we develop in the virtues of faith and trust in God.
Jesus is both perfect God and perfect man. He did not, and, in fact, could not sin; nor did he experience the inclination to sin that we who are fallen have (called "concupiscence"). Why, then, does he consent to be tempted? What was the point of it? What are we and the disciples supposed to learn from his experience?
2.
St. Paul in the Second Reading connects death with sin. How do you think sin could lead to death?
3.
4.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (§ 2847) points out that every temptation is a lie. It is a presentation of something that is harmful to us/to others as something that is good. How do you think God helps us unmask the lie of temptation?
5.
Consider all three readings: the first temptation of Eve and Adam, the connection between Adam and Christ in St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, and Christ’s temptation. How could Christ’s temptation overcome that first temptation of Eve and Adam?
6.
What do you make of the three temptations that Satan suggests to Christ? Is there any connection between them? What is the significance of Christ’s response in each case? What do his responses teach us about the way to combat temptation?
