DAILY HOMILIES #envy

Like Herod, who killed all the male children born at the time for fear of a rival king, the chief priests and Pharisees couldn’t stomach the idea of Jesus replacing them. Are there people I wish dead because they are far better than me (in school, business, career, church work, etc.)? Do I feel threatened by others’ progress?

Like the brothers of Joseph in the Old Testament, we could become so overwhelmed by envy that we begin to think that our survival depends on eliminating others. We begin to think that we can only shine when we quench that of others. This is the insanity of the envious mind.

Our celebration of St. Stephen today reminds us that Christmas is not all about eating and drinking. It is a celebration of the SACRIFICIAL LOVE of God for us. If God so loved us, we must love one another. If God so loved us even when we were His enemies, we must love our enemies and pray for them.

Child of God, let us examine our conscience: Do I feel threatened by anyone who is doing well in life? In all sincerity, are there certain persons I secretly envy and pray for their downfall because they have become successful or are now far ahead of me? Do I kill through character assassination – bearing false tales about others just to bring them down? Perhaps, I am guilty of the fear of the Jews.

Do not be so concerned about who got five talents or ten. If it is only one that you have, don’t bury it. Focus on your opportunities, use even your limitations and lack to your advantage – make the best of your unique situation.

Remember that no one has it all. Never wish to have anything that belongs to another because you do not know the troubles the person may be going through.

If God sent us His Son Jesus Christ while we were still His enemies, we who are made in His image and likeness ought to be so kind to our enemies. This is what would make our Christmas celebration complete.