12 October 2022
Wednesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s Gospel, Jesus comes out against the Pharisees, and by extension, any one who seeks places of honor. The search for personal honor serves as a variation of the sin against the first Commandment: the replacement of self where something bigger and better should be recognized. Of course, there is the correct recognition of talent, a lamp is placed on a lampstand. Those who are trained and capable need to step up and share their gifts. But the attention to self always corrupts the good that we do and the motivation for self-acclaim always ends up destroying any good achieved. Ignatius noted the path to perdition was indicated by the highway markers of riches, honor, and pride. Perhaps that is why he began his examination of conscience with thanksgiving and the recognition that so much comes from others. The desire for success can be an object of desire if that success is grounded in love of God and love of neighbor. In that way, everyone wins and there will be riches, honor, and pride in being part of God’s kingdom.