Reflection:
When we are praised, do we become full of ourselves? When we are criticized, are we hurt to the point of anger or sadness?
Both extreme reactions reveal some level of pride (vainglory) that we have deep within our hearts. If we were are humble, neither praise nor criticism would result in a large reaction from us.
When we realize we are reacting in this way, we can address this by prayer and asking for humility, seeking God in prayer, scripture, in the services of the Church, and in the sacraments Christ has given us.
Filling our life with our best effort to be close to God is the only way we can begin to decrease our pride.
We cannot simply avoid pride, we must push it out with humility and love.(1)
Resources:
1) Matthew 5:4-6
