Today, let’s reflect on the concept of normosis and how Jesus, through his actions, provides an important lesson on combating this behavior.
Normosis refers to the societal norms, beliefs, and values that, in many cases, cause distress and harm the psychological well-being of individuals. When people conform to societal expectations, often suppressing their own desires and opinions, it can lead to psychological suffering.
In Christ's example, we find a powerful way to understand how we can combat the pressures and expectations that do not consider our inner well-being.
The First Temptation: The Power of Materialism
The first temptation of Jesus in the desert came from words suggesting he turn stones into bread. For many traditions, the idea of solving human problems solely through economics is a seductive one. The belief that if everyone had enough to eat, the problems would be solved and there would be no need to talk about God is a view that, while containing some truth, overlooks the complexity of human needs.
Certainly, we cannot speak of spirituality to someone with an empty stomach. Bread, symbolizing basic needs, is fundamental. However, Jesus teaches us that man does not live by bread alone. Human existence is not limited to material satisfaction. Man also needs poetry, friendship, and emotional connection. Therefore, if bread is given without the quality of human presence and friendship, it becomes just another stone.
The Second Temptation: Political Power and the Search for Uniformity
The second temptation that Christ faced was that of power. The devil offers him all the nations of the world, suggesting that he could turn them into a single nation under his rule if he bowed down to him. The proposal was to unify the nations into a single model, eliminating differences.
However, Jesus reminds us that true authority belongs to God, who respects the differences between people and cultures. In his response, he affirms that "you shall worship the Lord your God and serve him only." The diversity of nations, ethnicities, and religions is not a barrier to unity but an essential condition for it. If we all thought the same, our thoughts would become stagnant. Differences, on the other hand, stimulate our growth, allowing us to unite while respecting each person's particularities.
The Third Temptation: The Power of Magic and Fascination
In the final temptation, Satan proposes that Jesus throw himself from the top of the temple, defying natural laws and falling unharmed, to create an impressive spectacle.
Here, we see the temptation to use magic and enchantments to manipulate others, creating a superficial fascination. However, Jesus rejects this temptation, affirming that faith cannot be forced or coerced. True faith is free, and it should not be a matter of persuasion. No miracle, no enchantment can replace the personal and free act of faith.
In his journey through the desert, Jesus offers us an example of how to resist the social and behavioral pressures that try to shape our behavior in artificial ways. He teaches us that human beings are not merely economic, political beings, or subjects to the rules of magic, but something much deeper: free beings, capable of living their faith and connecting with others in a genuine way.
Therefore, Christ's example is not only a spiritual lesson but also a proposal for how we can live authentically and free from the norms that imprison us. The true path is one that leads us to balance material needs with the search for a deeper, more human meaning in life.
