Haven’t we all had moments where we at least privately think we are “all that” in some way and that others don’t measure up? In a vivid parable in today’s Gospel reading, Jesus speaks to those of us who are like Pharisees, convinced of our own righteousness while despising everyone else. He provides a piercing insight by revealing the Pharisee’s private prayer, “O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity – greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.” Meanwhile, the tax collector, who stood at a distance asking God for mercy, went home justified.
Pride
It is easy for pride to creep up in our lives. St. Gregory the Dialogist wrote about this fourteen centuries ago. He listed several shapes in which pride can present itself:
● When people imagine that the good in them is of themselves;
● When people believe the good in them is given them from above, but that they have received it for their own merits;
● When they boast that they have that which they have not;
● When despising others they aim at appearing to be the only one who has what they have.
A Warning
Pride manages to sneak into our days often before we are aware of it. Jesus makes clear that It is no small matter. St. Theophilus of Antioch warned, “Pride also beyond all other passions disturbs the mind of man. And hence the very frequent warnings against it. It is moreover a contempt of God; for when a man ascribes the good he does to himself and not to God, what else is this but to deny God?”
As St. John Chrysostom put it, “Although therefore you are earnest and constant in well doing, yet think you may boast yourself, you are altogether devoid of the fruits of prayer.”
Vigilance is required! Be on the lookout for this insidious character.
[Readings: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14]
Grant, this reflection blessed me. I appreciate the multitude of church Father quotes. Very nicely done. Thanks