An unrecalled source of inspiration moved me to connect the temptations of the first Lent with other important realities of the Christian journey through a graphic of concentric triangles.

Each side of the outermost triangle shows one of the satanic temptations as St. Matthew narrated them (4:1-11): Turn stones into bread; leap from the temple and expect to be rescued; receive the world in return for worshipping me. Moving toward the center of the graphic, each successive triangle mentions a corresponding idea or practice.

When Satan submitted that Jesus should feed himself in a time of intentional caloric deprivation, he wanted to erode Jesus’ trust in the Father’s wise and loving plan for his sustenance.

The next triangle treats the “triple concupiscence”: the three avenues of temptation: “sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life” (1 John 2:15-17). In brief: the flesh, the world and the devil. Though none of these “make” me do what my will doesn’t intend (Romans 7:15-22), it sure feels that way sometimes.

Thus our first parents plucked from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9,16-17). Perhaps God had wanted to feed them from it all along, except for their grubby, grabby fingers. With fruit that seemed “good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom” (Genesis 3:6, the sides of the next triangle), you can see now why it’s not good for the man or woman to be alone.

Lent calls Christians to intensify the three disciplines designed to make disciples out of the curious crowd. Special attention during penitential periods promotes their perennial purpose in our lives. Jesus directs us to fast, pray and give alms without fanfare, so that “your Father who sees in secret will repay you” (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18).

At the very core of the graphic is Saint Paul’s Greek reference to “the gift of God that you (Timothy, the “God-fearer”) have through the imposition of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul explains: “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but of” - the last triangle triptych - “power and love and self-control.”

Turning stone to bread would temporarily quell the lust of the flesh, since the earth-fruit’s “goodness for food” is valid enough. But Jesus spots the bluff, and by His steadfast fasting - an exercise of self-control - steads himself fast in the Father’s love.

Had our lord thrown his body from the top of the temple, a fleet of angels would have been at the ready. What a spectacle it might have been, if only to himself! Jesus rather gives himself sacrificially, as love does, not for the likes or retweets but for God’s glory and honor. Since divine direction always promotes human flourishing, Jesus’ obedience advances the fulfillment of his mission.

Ever eager to disprove human fidelity as with Job (1:9-11), Satan suggested Jesus bow before him, offering a large reward at a larger price. Jesus perceives the manipulation of the prince of this world and deftly denies him the satisfaction. why pick a fruit desirable for gaining wisdom when you have all the wisdom to be had? Prayer provides Jesus’ connection to the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and the Father’s love.

God the son humanly learned to maintain this bond through the loving example of Mary and Joseph. We do well to recall, fondly and often, those who “imposed hands” on us - those whose spiritual, emotional and even physical proximity fostered our faith and helped us walk with confidence in the way of Christ.