THE DANGER OF PRIDE AND EGOISM

Divine Appeal Reflection - 230

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 230: "Many hearts are still distant from Me and My will! How many are so attached to their pride and egoism!"

Our Adorable Jesus sorrowfully laments how many souls are enslaved by pride and egoism, often without realizing it. Pride distorts the soul, making one believe they are self-sufficient, while egoism blinds the heart to the needs of others (cf. CCC 1866). In today’s world, this is not just a temptation for the powerful or the wealthy—it seeps into every state of life. Priests may subtly begin to see their ministry as a platform for influence rather than a service of love. Consecrated souls may become rigid in their personal spirituality, resisting the guidance of their superiors. Laypeople, overwhelmed by modern distractions, may prioritize personal achievements over their spiritual responsibilities. The danger lies in how pride masks itself as self-confidence, and egoism as self-care, making them difficult to recognize.

In practical life, this attachment manifests in different ways. A priest who once had a zeal for souls may begin to preach only what pleases his audience, avoiding hard truths to maintain popularity. He may feel slighted when his efforts go unnoticed, forgetting that his mission is not about human praise but about bringing souls to Christ (cf. Gal 1:10). A consecrated soul might refuse to accept correction, convinced that her spiritual practices are superior to others, thus falling into the hidden pride of self-righteousness. Among laypeople, egoism is often seen in the reluctance to sacrifice—choosing personal convenience over time for prayer, avoiding difficult conversations that require humility, or failing to forgive because pride whispers that justice is more important than mercy (cf. Mt 6:14-15).

To break free from these hidden chains, we must actively seek humility through practical self-denial. Priests must remember that their vocation is not about building their own name but about emptying themselves for Christ. A priest of true humility prays each day, whispering, “Lord, do I still serve You, or have I unknowingly sought my own will?” Consecrated souls find sanctity in joyful obedience, embracing authority as a safeguard of grace. Laypeople conquer self-seeking through hidden sacrifices—silencing pride, cherishing family, and offering their gifts in love. The more we reject self-centeredness, the more room we create for the presence of our Adorable Jesus in our hearts.

Pride and egoism are dangerous because they make the soul deaf to God’s voice. Many have lost their way, not because they openly rejected God, but because they gradually placed themselves above Him. A priest consumed by self-importance may no longer recognize the voice of Christ in his conscience. A consecrated soul trapped in self-will may miss the quiet promptings of grace. A layperson so focused on personal comfort may no longer sense the urgency of repentance. In His boundless charity, however, our Adorable Jesus always calls us back. When we receive the sacrament of confession with genuine humility, it breaks these illusions and returns us to our naive reliance on God. We can only completely experience the love He desires to pour into us when we acknowledge our emptiness.

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, rescue us from the blindness of pride and the grip of egoism. Teach us to seek Your will above our own. May priests serve with humility, consecrated souls embrace obedience, and laypeople surrender their lives to You. Transform our hearts to love as You love. 

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.