Devotion of the day: the damages of vainglory

Frequency of vainglory. Consider how many times you show vanity in your words, in boasting about what little you do or know, in boasting for a shadow of good! How many times do you gloat with joy for a praise, for a miserable praise! How many times do you work with the aim of being seen, esteemed, preferred to others! How many times with the Pharisee do you prefer yourself to the sinner, to those who err ... Don't you know that vainglory is pride and displeases God?

Injustice of vainglory. “What is there in you that I haven't received? says St. Paul; and how to glory in what is not yours? ". You would laugh if you saw a madman who struts because he is dressed as a king ... And are you not foolish and foolish who boast and pride yourself for a little ingenuity, a little skill? All this is a gift of God; therefore, the glory is due to him, and you unjust steal it from him? If you cannot say, with merit, not even: Jesus, without his help, how dare you boast of what is not yours?

Damages of vainglory. He does things to be seen; pray, be generous in almsgiving, do good to have respect for men! Maybe you will get it; but Jesus says to you: You have obtained your reward: do not wait for it any more in Paradise. Baleful worm of virtue, vainglory steals, in whole or in part, the merit of our actions, spoils the most beautiful and holiest works, and renders null, and perhaps even sinful, before God, as it provides us in the eyes of men. higher esteem. Learn to hate vainglory.

PRACTICE. Repeat throughout the day: All for you, my God.