Challenge of the week #3: To become aware of subtle forms of pride in all our actions and intentions and find ways to exercise and create habits of humility. Thanks to Michael J. Ribar for typing up the following helpful excerpt: Defects Contrary to Humility by Fr. François Nepveù, S.J. [From the book, A Treatise on the Particular Examen of Conscience, According to the Method of St. Ignatius. By Father Luis De La Palma, of the Society of Jesus. London: Burns and Oates, 1873.] We cannot know well the nature of humility, without knowing the defects which are opposed to it: nor can we acquire this virtue except by laboring earnestly to remedy those defects. These defects are— First, self-complacency upon our good qualities, whether of body or mind, whether natural or supernatural; also an excess of thought concerning our good qualities, and a lack of effort to prevent the movements of vanity that spring therefrom. Second, speaking too easily of ones self and of things favorable to ones self, or of that which can give occasion to others to notice or to speak of us. Third, to prefer ones self mentally to others, whether for virtue or for talents, and to consider voluntarily their defects rather than their good qualities; also to act in a contrary manner concerning ourselves. Fourth, to feel chagrined at hearing others praised, and to try cunningly to hinder their being so highly esteemed. Fifth, to excuse ones self always when blamed, to refuse to recognize ones faults, or to avow that one has been in the wrong. Sixth, to have a certain air of self-sufficiency and superiority in conversation, and a contempt for others and their opinions, also to wish always to take the lead. Seventh, to dispute with an obstinate attachment to ones own opinion, to prefer ones opinion always to that of others, persuading ones self that he has light on the matter which others have not. Eighth, to allow ones self to be too much dazzled by high employments, by great successes, by honors, by reputation, and by making too much account of all these things, instead of regarding them with fear or pity like a truly humble soul. Ninth, to feel too much chagrined when our enterprises do not succeed, even those undertaken for the glory of God or the salvation of our neighbor; for this often proceeds less from our zeal than from a secret pride which makes us fear that the lack of success may draw blame or contempt upon us. Tenth, to feel bitterly or coldly towards persons who appear not to esteem us so highly as we think we deserve; to revenge their contempt by despising them, or giving way to a malignant joy when others appear to despise them or speak disparagingly of them. Eleventh, to speak too easily or without real necessity of the defects of others, from a feeling of secret jealousy or a desire that we may be preferred to them. Twelfth, to wish that others should know and remark our good qualities and good works, and to do them with the view of meriting thereby their esteem and approbation. Thirteenth, to perform more willingly works of supererogation than of obligation, because they distinguish us and flatter our vanity and satisfy our self-love. Fourteenth, to do more willingly a good work which is apparent and gives fame than that which is known to God alone; also to have no care to refer all that we do and all the praises our actions draw upon us, to God, instead of saying with the Psalmist—“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Thy name give glory.” Fifteenth, to desire perfection and all virtues and spiritual gifts more for love of our own excellence than with a view to the glory of God.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 16:28:12 +0000
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