I think I need to take these posts in a new direction. Recently I've fallen into a rut of commentary on issues that do not (and perhaps can not) increase charity in souls.While I in no way intended to shy away from denouncing problems in the modern Church and proposing remedies, in the next few weeks I want to make an effort to write for the edification of those who come across this blog.
Something that has been on my mind recently has been the unnatural human tendency towards pride - and even pride in the pursuit of charity and truth.
There was a recent Washington Post article that discussed a certain Presbyterian Church's attempt to overhaul their foreign mission trip program based on how the director felt the experience was oftentimes a counter productive attempt to gratify oneself at the expense of the very people one is attempting to aid. The pastor argued that economics was a factor as well. Its expensive to fly unskilled workers overseas to paint a church or build a fence when the same could easily be done in the United States.
Critically evaluate the above arguments and read the article from the Post.
I admit, at first glance it sounded like a reasonable explanation. I know people who have gone on what essentially ammounted to "feel good field trips" with the possibility of meeting girls - things these people unabashedly admitted. However, I think my initial reaction points towards the first point of this piece: tendency towards pride even when one is prompted towards charity.
Going on a legitimate mission trip where the participants are motivated towards increasing charity in the souls they encounter and attempting to serve the least among us with profound humility would be an unbelievable opportunity to grow in holiness. Nevertheless, I would question my motivations for going. Am I interested in the appearance of holiness? Am I using this as a means to pat myself on the back for being a swell guy? Are my actions motivated by charity or self-righteousness?
In a recent conversation with friends I found that I was not alone in having these initial thoughts, and the responses I receieved were note worthy.
One of my friends spoke of the raw power of charity. Whether self-righteousness or sincere humility motivate one to act with charity - one will be rewarded with the grace to overcome self-righteous pride or persevere in humility.
Therefore when thou dost an almsdeed, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honoured by men. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth. That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee. (Matt 6: 2-4)
In this passage, Our Lord entreats us to act with charity and humility, but does not say that he who acts charitibly in a perverted spirit will be denied a reward for his charity. Thus, from this perspective we should pursue charity relentlessly without over analyzing a particular situation. The fact that these questions could motivate one to fail to act with charity are an indication that they are not from God who is Charity.
The conversation continued and another one of my friends commented that the fact that these questions over one's motives arise is a beautiful testament to human folly - to how little we can do on our own. These thoughts and the human tendancy to pride, once recognized, can be a means of humbling oneself before God, the Father who seeth in secret (Matt. 6:6). One's response would undoubtedly be: "Look at me! I cannot even act with chairty without being self-righteous! Without my God to act within me I could do nothing for the good."
I am reminded of the Psalmist - Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.(Ps. 126: 1-2) How often should we keep this verse in our hearts (See Image Above)
The two approaches to this problem both have essentially the same end in mind - to encourage one to act with charity because any promptings not to even for the appearance of self-righteousness and pride should be discounted. As in all things, it would be a great benefit to consult one's Confessor regarding battles with pride especially if these scrupulus battles lead one away from charity.
Tirelessly pursue charity in all things! Be fearless in the pursuit of self-immolation for the sake of charity! Continue to pray and make acts of reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus who is so often neglected and offended. Especially pray through the intercession of Our Lady under the title of Immaculatta – Who Has Destroyed All Heresies to watch over the Church and especially Benedict our Pope. And remember me as well.
Ad Meioram Dei Gloriam
Image Courtesy of http://hallowedground.wordpress.com/2008/06/08/hope/
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