The "Mother of all sins"

 

Google defines pride as a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is associated or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

With this definition, pride can be a good thing.  But too much of anything can lead to sin—with the notable exceptions of faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). 

The Bible more often defines pride as, and warns us against arrogance, haughtiness, and conceit.  Pride emphasizes the self over others, and it rejects God’s greatness.  Pride occurs when sinful human beings subconsciously aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him (Luke 14:7-11).

We can never examine our consciences often enough concerning pride.  Pride is referred to as the “Mother of all sins” for a reason.  Pride leads to every other sin and, in many ways, is the source of all sin.  If we want to strive for perfection in life (Matthew 5:48), we should seek true humility on a daily basis.

Humility is nothing other than seeing things as they are.  A humble person sees him/herself in the truth of God.  This can be hard to do because it requires that we see ourselves as weak and dependent upon God.  We may be able to accomplish many worldly things through our own strength and hard work.  But we can’t achieve happiness and goodness unless we open ourselves to the truth of our weaknesses and dependence upon God for all things. 

Humility also helps to purify our hearts of something that’s extremely hard to let go of.  Pride causes us to deeply seek out the esteem of others and to be dependent upon that esteem for our happiness.  That’s a dangerous road to go down because it leaves us constantly dependent upon the opinions of others.  And far too often, the opinions of others are based on false and superficial criteria.

Sure, we need to regularly seek out advice from those we know and love.  But we must allow ourselves only to be dependent upon God and His Truth.  When we do that, we’ll be well down the road of true humility.

At times, the coronavirus pandemic has felt to me like a prison.  We don’t know what the immediate or long-term future holds, whether on a personal, political, or epidemiological level.  But our mission as Christians remains the same – to serve others to enable their progress and joy in the faith.

As we reflect on pride and humility in the coming days on holy saints and good souls, we should thank God for the everyday saints who have responded to this pandemic: the healthcare workers who have tirelessly treated the sick and dying; the volunteers who have stepped up to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and house the homeless; public health officials who have labored, often thanklessly, to limit the spread of the disease; the priests, chaplains, and ministers who have provided spiritual care for the sick and lonely; and the friends, relatives and neighbors who sustain community in this time of quarantine and isolation.

In humbling themselves, these ordinary saints are exalted.  May God bless them, keep them, and sustain them in their labors, now and always.