~Pope Francis
Ambition and self advancement are as likely to be discovered masquerading as humility within the upper echelons of the institutional church, as they are in the political arena where service to the community often conceals corruption and aggrandizement in pursuit of rewards, and honours that often accompany the achievements of those who glow with pride in the atmosphere of high office.
"Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real."~ Thomas Merton
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
The Gospels speak of a time of solitude for Jesus in the desert immediately after his baptism by John. Driven by the Spirit into the desert, Jesus remains there for forty days without eating; he lives among wild beasts, and angels minister to him. At the end of this time Satan tempts him three times, seeking to compromise his filial attitude toward God. Jesus rebuffs these attacks, which recapitulate the temptations of Adam in Paradise and of Israel in the desert, and the devil leaves him "until an opportune time..." The temptation in the desert shows Jesus, the humble Messiah, who triumphs over Satan by his total adherence to the plan of salvation willed by the Father.
Unless, and until we choose to serve the will of The Father by rejecting all thought of receiving praise, and reward serving Our Father's plan for our life there is the prospect of being deceived by The Great Deceiver, encouraging us to serve our own self interest out of fear of losing out on the baubles, bangles, and glitter that tempt all seeking self glory.
"Should you ask me what is the first thing in religion; I should reply that the first, second, and third thing therein is humility."~Augustine
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