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                                    May 31, 2026, The Most Holy Trinity Sunday

                                            Reflection on the Lord’s Prayer:

                                            “Lead us not into temptation.” (1)

We come to the penultimate petition in the Lord’s Prayer: “Lead us not into temptation.” There have been some difficulties in interpreting this petition. We begin the prayer by addressing God as “Our Father,” yet we then ask Him not to lead us into temptation. Can God lead anyone into temptation to sin? Is it not the devil who is the source of all temptation? To understand this petition, we must consider three things: first, the meaning of the word “temptation”; second, the distinction between “temptation” and “trials” or “tests”; and third, the sources of temptation.

First, the word “temptation” is translated from the Greek word peirasmos, which appears several times in the New Testament. It has more than one meaning. Literally, it means “a putting to the proof,” and it can also mean “test” or “trial” (in a positive sense), or “temptation” (in a negative sense). The word peirasmos is translated into English according to the context. 

In the Lord’s Prayer, it is rendered as “temptation.” St. James the Apostle says, “No one experiencing temptation should say, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God is not subject to temptation to evil, and He Himself tempts no one” (James 1:13). Here, St. James makes it clear that God does not tempt anyone with the intention of leading them into evil. On the contrary, Jesus teaches in Luke 11:11–13: “What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” 

Second, peirasmos can also be translated as “trial” or “test,” referring to external hardships that God permits in order to strengthen one’s faith and perseverance. In James 1:2–3 we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Likewise, in 1 Peter 4:12: “Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you.” 

Next week, let us consider the sources of temptation. This understanding is necessary in order to identify their true origin and to overcome them with the grace of God. 

                                                                                                                     — Fr. Jesu