Monday, 16th February – Monday of week 6 of the year

Reflection: Genesis 4: 1-15, 25

AVOID JEALOUSY!

Jealousy refers to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipated loss of something of great personal value, particularly in reference to a human connection. It is an unconscious self-condemnation as well as an acknowledgement of the superiority of others. “Jealousy is the tribute which mediocrity pays to genius.” (Venerable Fulton Sheen). Instinctively the jealous persons knows the good that others do, but they are jealous because they have not done it themselves and therefore, seek to nullify it.

Cain resented Abel because his own offerings were not accepted and he became jealous of the good Abel did in offering what was best to God. Jealousy can take many forms; being jealous of the academic success of others; their body shape, friends, possessions, achievements etc. jealousy arises when we try to compete with others, failing to celebrate our uniqueness. It denies one of recognizing opportunities to be a better person and as such, is a self-consuming fire that the jealous one prepares for his/her own destruction. Envy is a capital sin that opens the door for more deadly sins just as it did for Cain.

Dear friend, always remember that you are in competition with no one. Aim instead to become better than you were yesterday. In addition to praying about this vice, here are some ways to overcome it:
1. Praying for the one of whom you are jealous.
2. Imitate the good qualities others possess rather than envying them.
3. Learn to rejoice with other and appreciate the good in them and you will find that there’s a lot of good in you too.

PRAYER: Lord, please remove from me all forms of jealousy and help me to sincerely appreciate your goodness in others and also to recognize the uniqueness of my being. Amen.

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).

HIDE A TREASURE: “Therefore I say to you: walk according to the Spirit and do not give way to the desires of the flesh” Galatians 5:16 CCB

Today’s Readings: Genesis 4:1-15, 25, Psalm 50:1,8, 16-17, 20-21, Mark 8:11-13