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Tempting

Based on today's Gospel reading from Luke 4:1-13 for the first Sunday in Lent.

What might my trials be?
What tempting shortcuts 
might Satan offer instead
of the Spirit-led way 
through the wilderness?

Some pharmacological magic
to win my war with weight,
without tiresome exercise,
or turning away from tasty
bread, made from stones, or not?

The benefits of power and fame
without the responsibilities?
Shout outs from the cool-kids;
Selfies with the star of the show,
before their fall from grace?

Miraculous protection from
the laws of gravity, and other
limitations of earthly existence,
that means I get hurt by my
own and others missteps?

I doubt that angels will act
as catchers, or even as
post-fight, or flight, paramedics,
but I know their luminous 
fallen friend will return soon.

Selah


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