There is no cure for the proud man’s malady. Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. Science and scientists are constantly and continuously exploring new ways to overcome physical maladies people face in society. To advance the quality of human existence, medical researchers have overcome several hurdles to provide better health care and to prolong human life. Indeed, medical advancements are truly a blessing for the whole human race. Doctors have helped people to overcome undue fear of uncertainties, and sickness that threatened life, by instilling hope and renewed vigor for life. The flip side of medical achievement in modern times is that, it has grabbed undue leverage over life, and that is reflected in an attitude that medicine can replace God. Pride is the greatest malady man has ever faced, and to date, medicine has not found a cure for this epidemic. Instead of finding a cure for this problem, the advancements in medicine have worsened the crisis. Since there is medical cure for all his aliments, man now feels he is invincible. Who will announce that the proud heart is sick to its very core? Unless this is recognized, there can be no cure for it. This is the tragedy of human existence. In fact, this one malady has brought more plagues in human society than all other physical disorders combined. There is no cure for the proud man’s malady, since an evil growth has taken root in him. This epidemic has afflicted man from the very beginning. It was pride that caused Adam and Eve to revolt against God. Hoping to be like God, they disobeyed God, and ever since, pride has plagued humankind. Most, if not all, the problems man faces are caused by our pride. Has humanity invested resources to overcome this malady? Ironically, no! Instead, most of our time and resources are set aside to fuel human ego and pride. Modern society likes to flaunt its achievement with pride, exulting man above everything, even God. The secular liberal society has made a concerted effort to replace God with man in the society. Can there be cure for our maladies? The cure for this malady is not with man, but with God. St. Paul writing to the Philippians, gives us the answer. “Although he was in the form of God and equal with God, he did not take advantage of this equality. Instead, he emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, by becoming like other humans, by having a human appearance. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, death on a cross. This is why God has given him an exceptional honor-- the name honored above all other names, so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will kneel and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” The cure for our imbedded maladies is to humble ourselves, and with bended knees to proclaim and profess faith in Jesus Christ. How can we nurture pride? When even the Son of God came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. The economic crises the world is facing today could be resolved by letting go of pride, and embracing humble service of others in love and justice.
Posted on: Wed, 28 Aug 2013 03:16:44 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015