These next three weeks of Lent are a great time to scrutinize ourselves and make a good confession. Therefore, I’m going to do a three-week series on the seven deadly sins. I like the word “scrutiny” for several reasons. The definition of the word (Webster) is “a searching study, inquiry, or inspection : examination”. How often and how well do we do this on ourselves—to look carefully at our own souls, our actions, our interior life to then ask God for forgiveness and grace to change? The RCIA (those folks entering the Church) have the “Scrutiny Rites” for the catechumens (those to be baptized) these three Sundays. The Church describes these rites’ purpose as “to uncover, then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good.” So, let us scrutinize ourselves to see if we struggle with any of the deadly sins, and ask the Lord to heal and strengthen us.
I always remember the seven deadly sins by the acronym:
“PEWSAGL”. Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Avarice, Gluttony, and Lust. The order is kind of important, as they go from most deadly to least deadly (although still deadly). Also, the first three are described as “cold” sins (more calculating) while the last three are “hot” sins (passion-driven) although there is certainly some mixing in that.
Pride
The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality, edited by Michael Downey, describes pride as follows:
The sin of pride is widely viewed as the “root of all the other sins” (Eccl 9:15). It is marked by a self- aggrandizement that clouds not only God’s sovereignty and others’ worth but also an appreciation of one’s true self. Distinct from healthy self-esteem and from a justifiable pride in one’s own God-given talents and achievements, the sin of pride often involves disregard or contempt for ideas and judgments other than one’s own. A chief aspect of pride is vainglory, which comprises the inordinate effort to show one’s own excellence and the insatiable need for approval. A strong force for self- deception, this aspect was often set off as a separate deadly sin in early lists. Suggested helps for turning from pride include self-abandonment to God’s providence, a stance of respectful listening to others, an admission of one’s own need for being saved in Christ, and an acknowledged need to be supported by the gifts of others.
To heal from pride, let us renounce it, confess it, and seek humility. Recognize God as the source of all that is good, trust and surrender to God, respectfully listen to others, receive the help of others, and stop seeking approval or to be well thought of by others.
Envy
Envy, rooted ordinarily in a radical difficulty in trusting that God loves one uniquely and personally, moves the self-doubting person to covet what others seem to be or have. There is sadness or displeasure at the spiritual or temporal good of another. For many people, envy threatens if an atmosphere of competitiveness and comparison degenerates into an environment of stifling jealousy. Then the good of another becomes an evil to oneself, inasmuch as it seems to lessen one’s own excellence. From envy can follow hatred and resentment, calumny and detraction. An individual plagued by envy usually needs to be helped to move toward a deeper sense of God’s love for oneself and to appropriate concern and compassion for others. (ibid)
To heal from envy, let us renounce it, confess it, and seek constant gratitude. Realize that God loves you personally, uniquely, and thus what else really matters. Give thanks for all that is good in your life and in the lives of others. Avoid all forms of gossip. Let go of resentments.
That ought to be enough for us to scrutinize today—Lord help us! More to come next week. By the way, we have confessions in Lent every Saturday at 3:30pm, and on Wednesdays at 12noon and 6pm. Also the big penance services are coming up the week March 17th.
Peace,
Fr. Greg