Tuesday 19th August – Tuesday of week 20 of the year

Reflection: Ezekiel 28:1-10

THE EVIL OF PRIDE

Our God is so generous in that He gives us numerous gifts such as wisdom, intelligence, knowledge, understanding, helps keep in remembrance the principal source of all our blessings. Beloved, pride is an affront on God and diminishes His grace riches, beauty, might, strength and many other good things. For these, we must continually thank Him. An attitude of praise over our lives (Job 40:12; Proverbs 16:5).

Both God and man abhor pride. As God sets his face against the proud, so does the proud man not enjoy the goodwill of his neighbours. Pride isolates him, makes him a stinking stagnant pool! Dear friend, let us examine our lives and identify areas where we have allowed pride to take root, no matter how subtly it may manifest. We must do away with pride if we are to enjoy the fullness of God’s blessings. We must put on the garment of humility.

Humility is the virtue that opens us up to greater blessings. It makes us welcoming to our neighbours and by extension grant us peace of mind.

PRAYER: Father in heaven, please root out of me all traces of pride and grant me a humble heart. Amen.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Who made you superior to others? Didn’t God give you everything you have? Well, then, how can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift?” 1 Corinthians 4:7 GNB

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 318 – What are vices?

Vices are negative habits that deaden and dull the conscience, incline a person to evil, and habitually prepare him for sin.

Human vices are found in connection with the capital sins of pride, avarice, envy, anger, lust, gluttony, and sloth (or acedia, spiritual boredom).

Readings for today: Ezekiel 28:1-10; Psalm 32:26-30, 35, 36; Matthew 19:23-30