Daily Gospel Reflection

Check Your Pride

Welcome back to Radical and Relevant, where we are exploring the genius of the gospel, the genius of Jesus, and learning to apply it little by little, one little thing each day, to our lives and the practical things that govern our days. Today's reading is from the Gospel of Luke 18:8-14, Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves, and they were righteous and despised others.

Two men went up into the temple to pray. One a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself. God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get. But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breasts saying, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner." And Jesus said, "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted." Our pride is vast. Our pride is myriad. Our pride has so many ways of needling its way into our hearts, into our minds, into our days. The humble, it's an invitation to humility. And so as we go about our day-to-day, let's be extra mindful, extra aware. Let's develop a sensitivity of like, when are we being proud? When are we putting ourselves forth? When are we speaking out of pride? And when are we speaking out of humility? When are we trying to impress people? When are we trying to make ourselves out to be something that we're not or more than we are?

All these ways that pride can manifest in our lives, let's look for the opportunity to grow in the great virtue of humility. Let's look for that opportunity today. Little ways throughout your day. Opportunities for humility. God bless you. Have an amazing day. Be bold, be Catholic, and I will see you tomorrow.