Meditation 52
LIFE AT NAZARETH
Another distinguishing mark of the home of Nazareth was that of its humility and obscurity. And that is why we call that period "the hidden life of Jesus."
1. Pride with All Its Attendance.
Haughtiness, conceit, vanity, self-love, a disordinate craving for the praises of men: all that is in human nature. All of us are affected with the same disease. Who does not like to be esteemed and praised? Who does not resent, especially on some occasions, the contempt, the indifference, the coldness with which he is received in society? Recall several instances in your own life. Recollect the intense feeling of humiliation suffered especially when you were entitled to a different treatment.
It is a consequence of original sin. We are all tainted with it; all of us bear the same wound. Begin by being convinced that this is your case also and be persuaded that if you think you are free of it, assuredly pride is more deeply rooted than usual in your soul. Be, then, convinced of how badly you need to be cured of this disease.
Think also how stupid and ridiculous is pride. It seeks after the esteem and praise of men. And what is the value of it all? Men are often mistaken in their appreciations, often it is only passion, prejudice and even hypocrisy that prompt their judgment. How much falsehood rests in the heart of man! How few are those who speak out their true feelings with a noble sincerity. And this is what you seek! How stupid it would be for you to attach any importance to human words! They are smoke, mere nothings.
[Excerpted from 'MARIAN MEDITATIONS' Book by Rev. Dr. Ildefonso R. Villar, Salesian Philippine Province, Nihil Obstat; Imprimatur]
LIFE AT NAZARETH
Another distinguishing mark of the home of Nazareth was that of its humility and obscurity. And that is why we call that period "the hidden life of Jesus."
1. Pride with All Its Attendance.
Haughtiness, conceit, vanity, self-love, a disordinate craving for the praises of men: all that is in human nature. All of us are affected with the same disease. Who does not like to be esteemed and praised? Who does not resent, especially on some occasions, the contempt, the indifference, the coldness with which he is received in society? Recall several instances in your own life. Recollect the intense feeling of humiliation suffered especially when you were entitled to a different treatment.
It is a consequence of original sin. We are all tainted with it; all of us bear the same wound. Begin by being convinced that this is your case also and be persuaded that if you think you are free of it, assuredly pride is more deeply rooted than usual in your soul. Be, then, convinced of how badly you need to be cured of this disease.
Think also how stupid and ridiculous is pride. It seeks after the esteem and praise of men. And what is the value of it all? Men are often mistaken in their appreciations, often it is only passion, prejudice and even hypocrisy that prompt their judgment. How much falsehood rests in the heart of man! How few are those who speak out their true feelings with a noble sincerity. And this is what you seek! How stupid it would be for you to attach any importance to human words! They are smoke, mere nothings.
[Excerpted from 'MARIAN MEDITATIONS' Book by Rev. Dr. Ildefonso R. Villar, Salesian Philippine Province, Nihil Obstat; Imprimatur]
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