we believe we’re owed more than others. But true freedom, he taught, is found in humility—resting securely in God’s love, not in self-made worth.
I once saw this truth clearly during an Ignatian retreat. We were invited to reflect not just on obvious sins, but on the quiet ones that shape the heart. A memory surfaced from my senior year as a football player. Each of us had a secret cheer squad supporter. Mine left simple, handmade gifts. Others received elaborate praise. I felt slighted. Envious. “Why not me?”
At season’s end, I met my supporter—a shy freshman who gave what she could. I don’t remember thanking her. I do remember saying, “You could’ve done better.” The hurt in her face still haunts me. She offered love. I rejected it.
That moment revealed more than a lapse—it exposed a pattern.
The Hidden Wounds of Pride and Envy
Pride, the Catechism says, is the queen of all vices—a refusal to accept our place under God.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
Envy is sorrow at another’s blessing.
“Love does not envy, it does not boast.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Both distort our vision. They wear masks—comparison, disappointment, insecurity—and quietly wound others. That cheerleader gave from her heart. I couldn’t see it then. Now, through grace, I do.
Bernard called this descent into humility painful but freeing—a journey from self-centeredness to self-possession in Christ.
Scripture’s Gentle Correction
In Judges 9, fruitful trees refuse kingship. Only the thornbush seeks power. That was me—craving recognition over fruitfulness.
In Matthew 20, laborers grumble when latecomers receive equal pay.
“Are you envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:15)
These verses echo Bernard’s truth: humility is strength. It’s the soil where grace grows.
The Path to Healing
The antidote to pride is humility—not humiliation, but the quiet strength of knowing who we are before God.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
The antidote to envy is charity—rejoicing in others’ gifts as part of our own.
“Love rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)
Bernard called this spiritual warfare—a daily struggle against the pull of ego. But as love grows, so does our freedom to act and rejoice.
This is a path God has for each of us, letting go of pride and envy, and learning to celebrate the blessings of others.
A Closing Prayer
Lord, heal the pride and envy within me.Teach me to rejoice in others’ gifts and receive your grace with humility.
May I bear fruit, not seek fanfare.
And may I never again miss the beauty of a simple gift, offered in love.
Amen.
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