If the devil could offer Jesus “the splendor of all the kingdoms,” does it mean worldly success is often Satan’s bargaining chip? The final temptation is the most direct: power, glory, success. This voice is so seductive, so loud, that it often drowns out God’s gentle call. On this tenth day, we will examine the object of our “worship.” What do you spend the most time focusing on and pursuing each day? Those become your “gods.” To hear the voice of Truth, we must first topple the false gods in our hearts.
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” (Matthew 4:8-10)
This is a battle about “focus.” The devil brought Jesus up to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. The scene was enticing, much like the “perfect lives” we see on social media—travel, fine food, wealth. The devil’s proposal was simple: “As long as you follow my instructions, adjust your priorities slightly, compromise your moral bottom line just a little, and submit to me in this small matter, all of these will be yours.”
Paragraph 2113 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church warns us that idolatry does not refer only to the worship of false gods. The Catechism explains: “Idolatry consists in divinizing what is not God. Man commits idolatry whenever he honors and reveres a creature in place of God, whether this be gods or demons, power, pleasure, race, ancestors, the state, money, etc.”
In modern society, “hustle culture” has become our new religion. We sacrifice sleep, family, and even health on the altar of “success.” We may idolize celebrities, admire certain lifestyles, or submit ourselves to the pursuit of “likes” on social media. We believe these things can give us security and value. Yet this is ultimately a lie: these idols can neither bring us true and lasting joy and peace, nor offer more than fleeting and superficial satisfaction.
More seriously, “idolatry rejects the unique Lordship of God; it is therefore incompatible with communion with God.” (CCC 2113)
Jesus rebuked the devil by quoting Scripture: “Away with you, Satan! Serve only God.” This is not bondage; it is freedom.
When we worship God, we restore all things to their proper order.
St. Francis of Assisi is one of the best examples. He renounced his father’s wealth and worldly honour, choosing “poverty” instead. The world considered him mad, yet he gained insurmountable freedom, being able to hear the birds sing and seeing God’s presence in all creation. “Worship” is not about giving something to God, for He lacks nothing; it is about recalibrating our vision and perspective.
When God becomes greater in our eyes, the noise of temptation and the comparisons that make us anxious fade into insignificance. Only by overturning the idols in our hearts can our ears once again hear the one true and authentic Voice.
Let us once again meditate on the message this Gospel passage reveals to us:
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” (Matthew 4:8-10)
Reflection
In your life, are there visible or invisible idols that overshadow your reverence for God—things into which you pour more of your time and energy, even replacing God’s rightful top priority in your life?
How has your pursuit of these idols muffled God’s voice within you?
Have you ever compromised your moral principles or values in order to chase after these idols?
Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus, You beheld the glory and riches of the world and turned away, for You knew the greater glory of the Father. Open my eyes, that I may see that the idols I pursue are but illusions.
Help me renounce the worship of money, approval, success, and every other idol. Tear down the altars I have built for these false gods. Today, I choose to kneel before You alone.
I desire to withdraw from the noise and distractions of this world, so that my soul may find its true resting place in You.
O God, You are my one and only God; You alone I serve.
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