The Ancient Whisper

"Pride sets subtle snares.  Whenever we imagine that we are in control of life - our own or someone else's - we have fallen prey to the ancient whisper in the Garden: "You shall be like gods."  Mortality is the enduring reminder that we become like God not by our own power, 

but by the power of the cross." ~November 2012 Magnificat, p. 192

I read these words this morning, and they were just what I needed to hear.  Pride, control, this what we battle on a daily basis.  Most of my strife in life comes from not being in control.  Things happen outside of my desire, my control, and I don't like it.  Health issues, broken down car, job stress, and simply battling the every day wills of my children ought to be enough to convince that I am not in control, yet control is what I long for.  Comfort, ease, and control.  When reading this in the early morn, I realized that it is when we have our lives perfectly under control that pride begins to develop.  I have seen it happen in my own heart.  Pride begins to grow and I start to credit myself with success.  I become like a little god, sitting on my throne admiring my self-built kingdom.  Praise be to God for the times of suffering, the times that are out of control to bring us low, to a place where our only hope is submission to the suffering of Christ on the cross.



As we prepare to enter into the Penitential Season of Advent before us, let us examine our hearts for pride, for the places where we have "fallen prey to the ancient whisper in the Garden."  I mentioned that I read this in the Magnificat this morning.  The Magnificat is something I have only recently discovered, and have found it to be an excellent guide for daily prayer and reflection.  It truly gives me great joy to know that I am participating in the prayers, reading, and liturgy with the Catholic Church.  It is so much bigger than myself and my own little private devotions.  

Lastly, I wanted to share another devotional tool with you, Benedictus Moments are now here on my blog.  On the right side bar, you can listen to Pope Benedict XVI's daily meditations performed by St. Luke Productions.  They are 1-2 minutes long, and will have a profound impact on your day, I promise.  Thanks to the people at St. Luke Productions for making these daily meditations accessible and sharing them with me!

I pray that as we enter into the season of Advent, we all may examine ourselves, increase our prayers and devotions, and grow daily in love with Christ and His Church.