Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, bishop
St. Paul writes, “I rejoice and share my joy with all of you. In the same way, you also should rejoice and share your joy with me.”
I have always believed that it is a healthy sign in a family or in a community when individuals can rejoice with one another and celebrate one another’s accomplishments. Sometimes we are secretly threatened by the success or growth that we see occurring in others. This type of envy is unfortunate even though it is present in countless areas, even among the members of the Church.
A community that delights and rejoices in one another’s growth and success is an attractive community to be a part of and one that builds up the Kingdom of God. The early Christians were able to foster this type of unity, being “of one mind and heart” (Acts 4:32). Pride is the enemy to the unity that we are called to experience with others. Those who are humble experience no shame and they do not need approval to inflate their importance in the eyes of others or to support their self-esteem. The humble have overcome the tendency to regard others as competitors or rivals, and so they work with whatever they have and waste no time envying those who possess different qualities.
Reflection Question: How can I be attentive and share in another person’s joy this day?
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources