Mt 23:1-12
The Gospel account addresses human inclination to pride. Pride is identified as one of the seven deadly sins and is considered the worst of all these vices. Pride is the opposite of humility. What makes it so deadly to our spiritual life is that it tempts us to put ourselves above others, even above God. Pride is what got Adam and Eve into trouble in the Garden of Eden. They desired to be like God in knowledge, but not in His other attributes such as mercy, love and compassion. God wants each of us to strive for greatness, but not the type of greatness that society values.
In this life we are called to practice humility in order to attain a spiritual greatness in the life to come, a greatness that cannot be taken away. Sadly, to achieve the esteem of others some will resort to pompous and malicious behavior including putdowns, snobbery and slander. During His healing ministry Jesus was falsely accused by religious leaders of transgressing Jewish law and even of casting out demons through cooperation with Satan.
The reality is that any accolades in this life are temporary, and the opinion of others is inconsequential to God. St. Teresa of Calcutta counsels us to not be concerned with doing extraordinary things but rather ordinary things with great love. We will not always be in positions of authority nor do any titles or advanced degrees identify who we really are in the sight of God. When we reach the end of our earthly journey, God is not going to address us by a title but as a beloved son or daughter.
Even in infirmity, old age or if disdained by society, we are of immense value to Our Heavenly Father. Man does not see as God sees. God sees the heart. “A humble, contrite heart, O God, you will not spurn” (Psalm 51:19). We are called to walk humbly with our God. During this month of the Saints and the Holy Souls may we look to those who have gone before us to intercede for us with their prayers as we progress in humility.
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
