Do not let us avoid the reading of the diving Scriptures, Lord.

For that would be Satan’s devising – not wanting us to see the treasure,

    otherwise we would gain the riches.

So he would say that hearing the divine laws means nothing.

Otherwise, if we did, we might become doers of the word,

    as well as hearers.

Knowing then his evil plan, Lord, 

    let us fortify ourselves against him on every side.

Fenced with this kind of armor,

    we can live unconquered lives,

    as well as strike a heavy blow to his head.

Then, crowned with glorious wreaths of victory, 

    we can attain the good things to come,

    by the grace and love towards others of our Lord Jesus Christ,

    to whom be glory and might for ever and ever, Amen.

 

John Chrysostom, c. 347- 407

 

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Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness 

    to be tempted by the devil. 

And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 

And the tempter came and said to him, 

“If you are the Son of God, 

    command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 

But he answered, “It is written,
    “‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
        but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”