Proud

“A sure way to be humble is to contemplate how, even without talents, fame or fortune, we can be effective instruments if we go to the Holy Spirit so that He may grant us his gifts.” (Saint Josemaria, “Furrow”, page 283)

Jesus Washing Peter's Feet (Unknown)

I am pretty good at doing many things.

I found my education pretty easy to get through.  This is not to say that I was never stressed when I was a full-time student, but it is to say that I found that my studies came relatively easily to me.

I enjoy socialising with others.  As a result, I have found it relatively easy to maintain friendships with a small group of friends, with whom I have developed strong relationships.

And I am fairly fit and healthy.  This is not to say that I do not suffer from all the usual ailments, but I am not really subject to any serious or life-threatening disease or disfigurement.

And I have been thinking about this today.  Not because I am proudly reflecting on all of these things – I have many many faults as well, which make me not really the best person to be around at times – but rather I am reflecting on this today because I am reflecting on what it is to be proud.

The Original Sin of disobedience came from the sin of Pride.  Eve was convinced – by the Evil One – that she should be able to value herself and her abilities above those of God.  And therefore, when she finally chose to disobey God’s rule and eat from the forbidden tree, she did so thinking to herself that she was strong enough to handle the knowledge that would come…

And I have been thinking about that as well.  You see, that pride was the start of the decay of humanity.  We fell because we thought we were better than we are.  We fell because we are proud.

And now I am reflecting on the idea of this pride.  You see, I can list my talents and skills because I know that everything that I am and every talent that I have is a result of the GIFT that God has given to me.  Conversely, the errors of my ways – the parts of me that make me less than a perfect child of God – are a result of the imperfection of my application of these gifts from God…

Saint Josemaria wrote in “Furrow” at page 283, “A sure way to be humble is to contemplate how, even without talents, fame or fortune, we can be effective instruments if we go to the Holy Spirit so that He may grant us his gifts. The apostles, though they had been taught by Jesus for three years, fled in terror from the enemies of Christ. But after Pentecost they let themselves be flogged and imprisoned, and ended up giving their lives in witness to their faith.”

And I have been thinking about this today.  For it is only when I am NOT proud of myself that I can truly be PROUD of my God.  And THAT is the only pride I wish to have…

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.