(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2026  Issue #120)

By Corinne Lorenzet, OFS • National Councilor; CNSA Secretary

At first glance, and without reflection, this line in the Our Father can be confusing. Why would our God, whom Francis, in the first verses of his reflection on the Lord’s Prayer, describes as “…Supreme Good, the Eternal Good, from Whom all good comes …” lead me into temptation? In my own prayer and study, and with good spiritual direction, I have come to a better understanding of its meaning.

Some years ago, I participated in a four-year Biblical School offered in my diocese. From the beginning of the program, the instructors emphasized the importance of understanding translation, historical context, audience, etc. of the text. When we dove into the Lord’s Prayer, the instructor emphasized that the Hebrew of this verse more accurately means “do not allow us to enter into or succumb to temptation.”

For me, this verse is a plea for God’s help. Temptation is not the same as sin, but certainly leads to it. A lot of situations tempt me. I know what they are. But am I disciplined enough to set the boundaries in my life that I need to avoid them? When I find myself in them, do I know how (and have the desire) to get out of them?

In the traditional Act of Contrition, we ask to “avoid the near occasion of sin.” I read somewhere that the more we put ourselves in positions that could lead to sin, the easier it will be for us to give in to the temptations.

How on target Francis is in describing temptation as “hidden or obvious, sudden or persistent.” In his writings, he often refers to his temptations. (Remember the stories of rolling in the snow or in the rose bushes).

I once said to my confessor, “I come with the same sins…” – persistent, obvious temptations that are my biggest faults. I am constantly aware of these and try my best to avoid them. I most need God’s help to lead me away from the “hidden” and “sudden” temptations. They often cause me to rationalize my behavior. It is in these situations that my awareness fails, and I lose sight of God trying to lead me away from the temptation.

God will always lead me toward Himself, toward love, mercy, and compassion. Francis reminds me that God’s way is always the Way. I need to let Him lead.