Thursday, August 15, 2024
Topic: "The Christian Faces Anti-Values"
Text: Luke 18:9-14
9. And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10. Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a tax collector. 11. And the Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, saying, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are: extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12. I fast twice a week, and give tithes of all that I get. 13. And the tax collector stood afar off, and would not so much as lift up his eyes unto heaven: but he beat his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner. 14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Let us remember:
Antivalues have several other forms that we minimize or forget due to a lack of knowledge. Expressing bad contentment is part of antivalues because it is the expression of barely veiled pride. A person who believes himself to be above the other just by judging things not perceptible to human intelligence; is only a boaster. Some people go astray by convincing themselves that they are righteous, and paying no attention to others: for reasons of high social rank, by the assurance of having an excellent IQ, by their physical beauty, by their understanding of biblical texts, by their captivating prayers, by their voices better suited to singing… Every gesture can reveal our anti-values. Anything done in comparison or by desire to be better appreciated in relation to others; this can be seen as an anti-value, especially when the objective is to want to surpass one's neighbor and manifest supremacy. Certain gifts and legacies, certain testimonies or thanksgivings are only proof of spiritual pride. We sometimes do it without knowing it because the limit of pride is very subtle. Before God and before men, let us be humble and discreet. Let us have good intentions. Excellent Thursday. Amen
Alain Louz.-
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