906 - made strong by the temptations
St. John Chrysostom (around 345-407), bishop of Antioch and of Constantinople, Doctor of the Church
Homilies on Matthew, 13, 1, PG 57, 207-209
After his baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert, where he was tempted by the devil ... Everything has been done and endured by Jesus was intended to instruct. So he wanted to be taken to that place for fight against the devil, so that no one among the baptized be troubled, if subjected to great temptations after his baptism, as if this was extraordinary, however, must endure all this because it is the natural order of things. For this reason you have received weapons not to remain idle, but to fight.
Here are the reasons why God does not prevent the temptation where you are. First of all, to let you know that you have become much stronger. Then why stay in the right measure, and there proud of the great gifts you have received. In fact, the temptations have the power to humiliate. You'll also be tempted to make this evil spirit, which raises the question whether you really given up on him, is convinced, from experience, that you have totally abandoned. Fourth, you are tempted to be trained to be stronger, more solid steel. Fifthly, that you are absolutely sure that you have been entrusted the treasures. In fact, the devil would not have attacked if he had not seen that you have received a greater honor.
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