HOW PRIDE CAN ENDANGER OUR SOULS - 02/17/23 (Memorial of Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order)

Mark 8:34–36

And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021723.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order! Many people desire to be seen as the greatest and to be in the highest places. Because of this, they look on doing everything they can to reach their dreams and aspirations. However, Jesus shows us the danger of pride in our souls. In the gospel reading, our Lord shows us an example of a true disciple of Christ. If we are willing to follow Jesus, we should deny ourselves and imitate Jesus in carrying our own crosses. This means that we should be willing to reject everything, even if it gives pleasure, satisfaction, achievements, and recognition, if they lead us away from God. Our Lord Jesus makes this point stronger by asking, "For what does it profit, a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" There is nothing wrong with being diligent in our work or jobs. After all, God has given these things to us. However, we should remember that everything we have should be done for the glory of God. When one person makes him, not God, the center of his life, this is where there is more danger of losing his own soul and danger of not receiving the gift of eternal life. What are some specific examples of this? 

When people are full of pride, they will just do what they want based on their own thoughts and perspective without considering the will of God. This is why some people abandon the Catholic faith because others do not like the difficulty that they experience when God calls us to conversion and abandonment of sinful lifestyle. Pride can also push people to seek worldly satisfactions like sin of lust. Instead of spending time in prayer, some may fall to the temptation of using their plenty time in vanities, drunkenness, going to bars, etc. One may rather go to malls while neglecting the importance of Mass every Sunday and other holy days of obligation, which are necessary for our salvation. Seeking these things can only lead some to gain temporal pleasures, but what does it profit them if they lose eternal life in heaven as a result? In spiritual life, there are always difficulties, but because of the mercy of God, He makes our crosses light provided we do everything out of love for God. If we realize that God is calling us to conversion while being aware of our sins, let's not be afraid to trust in Him, beg for His forgiveness, come to the sacrament of confession and begin a new life. Today, we also remember the seven founders of the Servite Order. They received messages from the Blessed Virgin Mary which led to the founding of their order. The color of their habit or religious clothing was black to represent the sufferings that our Mother Mary endured as she stood beside Jesus on the Cross. May we remember that we have the Blessed Virgin Mary on our side praying for us and helping us to carry our crosses. Through her intercession, we can experience a true change in our lives, and we will learn how to be humble which will elevate us to eternal happiness with God in heaven. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order—Optional Memorial:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/february-17-seven-holy-founders-of-the-servite-order/

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth