Pushing Back on My Pride

“Mom, are we going to pray?”

“Oh oops, let’s do that now,” I reply hastily as I take a deep breath and let their words center me, humble me, and bring me back to God.

I know the source of the direction should matter less than the direction itself, but as my children grow in years I find myself learning from them more and more. I need the accountability and feedback, but I don’t always welcome it. I am the mom. I am supposed to do everything right. I am supposed to be the leader.

I identify greatly with Naaman in today’s First Reading. He was the master, the commander, the one in control, but it was a little servant girl who told him of the prophet in Samaria. It was a servant who encouraged Naaman to follow the prophet’s commands to do the simple task as instructed. Without these little people, the great army commander would have been left diseased. Scripture tells us that he was valiant, highly esteemed, and respected. Maybe it is these qualities that made him approachable.

In my own life, if not for my little people, I would be left prideful and unhealed.

We need to be willing to listen to those around us, push away the pride, remain approachable, and take assistance from others when offered, even when that help comes in a way that surprises us. We must be willing to do the simple things God calls us to do, not just the difficult or complicated things.

Lent is a time of purposeful reflection that can bring to mind areas in which we need healing, but sometimes pride keeps us from opening up our hearts to healing.

What are the simple things God is asking you to do today? Are there people in your life who shine a light on the areas that need to be healed? A deep examination of consciousness can help us to find areas in the corners of our heart which have remained closed and unclean.

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We must be willing to do the simple things God calls us to do. // @maryruthhackettClick to tweet

When you examine the role of pride in your life, what does that look like? Think honestly about the different ways this root sin manifests itself.