In the Books of Matthew, Mark and Luke, we can find the account of Jesus' trek into the desert prior to his public ministry. In each of the three stories, the Holy Spirit is described as the one to prompt our Lord into a 40-day period of preparation. Both Matthew and Luke describe that Jesus was "led by the Spirit." Mark's words sound a little more commanding: "At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert." (Mark 1:12)

In any case, we seem to get the idea that Jesus needed to go into this barren land. He was to fast, he was to pray, and he was to be tempted by Satan. All of this was done under the prompting of the Holy Spirit. But why would the Holy Spirit move Jesus to such a trial? Why should Our Lord endure such an initiation? Is this the epitome of "no pain, no gain?"

For those who got through high school football "hell week" or better yet, made it through boot camp training for the Armed Forces, the rite of passage seemed so unnecessary at the time. It made little to no sense to push oneself to the physical and mental limits, while being reminded time and again that we could stop the pain at any time. However, for those who completed such a regiment, the trial was necessary to achieve both physical and mental fortitude.

Every year we enter into a similar 40-day test of the will, better known as the Lenten season. It’s a time we can work toward achieving spiritual fortitude, very similar to what Jesus did in the desert. It is a time to sharpen our skills, fine-tune our talents, and focus on the training necessary to ward off the temptations that Satan offers us everyday.

In order to do this, we need to dig deep to remind ourselves that through the acts of prayer, fasting and charity, we can strengthen our free will.

An effective spiritual training program can be found in practicing CMF’s Seven Principles, one every day of the week. If we make a conscientious effort to exercise these principles on a daily basis, we can be better equipped for the battles that Satan and his demons wage against us.


* Sunday: Be a man for Jesus
* Monday: Be a man for others
* Tuesday: Be a man of integrity
* Wednesday: Be a man of forgiveness and discipline
* Thursday: Be a man of prayer and responsibility
* Friday: Be a man of humility and love
* Saturday: Be a man on a mission


The Holy Spirit led or drove Jesus into the desert; however, he never abandoned Our Lord there. The Holy Spirit will never abandon us either. “Oh, Come Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of your faithful…”

Written by Francisco Muñoz who is a dedicated member of the St. Louise De Marillac chapter, and is also serving on the Board of Directors.