This brings Jesus Christ very near to us, for in our temptations we are bound to him by the cords of a common experience, for he was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).  And while his example gives us hope of success, his power, so freely offered to us in prayer and Sacrament, provides us with the full assurance and means of final victory.

Now the first step to obtain the mastery over our temptations, is to gain the mastery over the channels by which they come, and here Our Lord’s temptations in the wilderness are our guide.  The Devil tempted him first through his body, then his mind, and finally his spirit.