PROMPTED BY JEALOUSY
I believed this is a very nice story to share about jealousy. We as persons can’t avoid sometimes that we are jealous with a friend or neighbor especially when they acquire materials things. As long as we don’t do bad things to a certain person or don’t put him/her to a bad situation, I guess it is a normal feeling. Let’s use jealousy as an inspiration to strive for a better living not to make negative things to others. I also pray that this negative act of being jealous will prompt me to do good and not to destroy others. Keep reading this inspirational story below.
PROMPTED BY JEALOUSY
Jealousy is a lousy motivator at the best of times. In a rather contrived sense it can sometimes be said to be a good motivator if it seeks to inspire a person to draw the best out of themselves in the pursuit of a particular goal, as long as his or her actions do not negatively impinge on others. However, rarely will jealousy lead to a good result. It is better to avoid jealousy at all costs and seek far purer emotions for motivation in our lives.
St. Francis of Assisi speaks of how envy and jealousy are sins against the Holy Spirit. For him, they are the unforgiveable sin of Mark 3:27-28. Why does he believe this? I think it is because he sees envy and jealousy as the refusal to rejoice in the way the Holy Spirit has given gifts to those around him. Who are we to question the Lord’s wisdom when He decided to give one gift to one person and another or even more gifts to another person? The only response we should have in recognizing the gifts of others is rejoicing that God has been so generous to gift His Church, the community of the People of God, with such gifts.
In other words, our focus ought to be identifying our own gifts and placing them at the service of the Church and praying that others will do the same. It is impossible to see how worrying about or being envious or jealous of the gifts of others is going to help the Church in its duty to proclaim the Gospel to all men and women. The only worthwhile response is to thank God for the gifts He gives to us all and to pray that we have the grace to use them faithfully in the service of the Gospel.
Jealousy will only lead to division and hurt; rejoicing in the gifts of others will lead to sharing and growth of the community. Let us pray that we will be faithful to all that God has entrusted us and so be active, joyful and contributing members of the communities of faith to which we belong. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
Reflection Question:
Do I use my gifts for the benefit of the work of the Gospel or am I selfish with them?
Jesus, help me to be faithful to Your call and to always respond with generosity to use the gifts You have given me for the benefit of others.
St. Lambert of Lyon, pray for us.
