# I am the least among you: prayer in time of temptation
*2015-06-29*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Peter Chrysologus and leads a prayer for strength against temptation written by St. Albert the Great.

## The Golden Words of St. Peter Chrysologus

Today is Thursday, July 30th, the feast day of St. Peter Chrysologus. St. Peter was known for his short, concise sermons that got straight to the point, which led people to call him 'the golden words.' He once stated that a man who vigorously pursues his goals may produce results far beyond his expectations and intentions. I feel that applies to my own experience with this podcast over the last seven years; I am happy to have new followers and I hope that listeners find something valuable in these episodes.

## Reflections on Miracles and Homilies

I've been thinking about the account of Lazarus. When Martha informed Jesus that her brother was sick, Jesus waited four days before arriving. I believe He did this so there would be no question that Lazarus was truly dead, demonstrating His power as the Son of God to bring someone back to life after four days. We see so many miracles and cures of sickness and the casting out of demons in the Gospels, and miracles are still noted today.

On a personal note, I often wish that priests would include more of their own personal accounts and stories in their homilies. While I certainly want to hear about the readings and the scriptures, I find it helpful when priests relate those truths to their own lives. I don't have their degrees or doctorates, and they are certainly holier than I, but personalizing the sermon helps the congregation connect the Word to real-life experience.

## Prayer in Time of Temptation

Today, I want to pray a 'Prayer in Time of Temptation' written by St. Albert the Great. In the Bible, Christ continues to warn His disciples against the seduction of evil and the evil one, as He did on the last night of His earthly existence, telling them to pray that they not be put to the test (Luke 22:40-46).

Lord Jesus Christ, who have led me into the desert of penance, protect me so that I do not succumb to the tempter. May pride neither obliterate my dignity as a child of God, nor keep me away from the rigors of penance. With the word of truth, change the pleasure which the tempter calls bread into the rigors of penance, which the tempter calls stones.

May the tempter not set me on a pinnacle of the temple to make me believe that I am superior to others. May he not throw me down to the ground with false humility, testing the Lord with imprudence or acts of penance which exhaust my physical strength and expose me to danger. May the tempter not take me to the mountain of vision where, incited by greed, I would pay him homage, bending the knee of the heart, will, and mind.

Drive me far away from all things that are in opposition to You, so that I may adore and serve You alone, my Lord. May the tempter let go so that Your angels may surround me, to guard me from evil and sustain me in doing good. Amen.

*By relying on the word of truth and the protection of angels, we can resist the seductions of pride and greed to serve the Lord alone.*