Temptation

Sirach 2:1-6
My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation. 
Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity. 
Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life. 
Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient. 
For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation. 
Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him. 

Homily:
Are you ready to serve the Lord? Yes? Prepare yourself for temptation.

Temptations are not reserved for sinners, they come to us all. What distinguishes the righteous from the sinner is the choice they submit to - the choice of the flesh or the choice of the spirit.

The flesh is in a race against time. Time wears it out.
The spirit is in no race. It defines the times.

The more you give to the flesh, the more it takes.
The more you give to the spirit, the more it gives.

Be patient in all things and let His spirit lead you.

Temptations come to make us better, use them to reinforce your faith.