Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope
The parable Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel is one of my favorites. Every reading of it brings fresh conviction to my heart. This time, what stood out to me was God’s question, Are you envious? I don’t think of myself as an envious person, and you likely don’t see yourself that way either. Let’s not be so sure, however! Envy that lurks beneath the surface deceives us and trips us up. I pray we each have an openness today to examine our consciences for what St Augustine called “the diabolical sin.”
Jesus’ parable closes with these words, “Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous? Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last (emphasis added)." The laborers hired first were envious of the ones hired last who received the same wage. Why this envy? Psychologists speak of envy as having both cognitive and emotional aspects. The thinking part goes like this, “Your gain is my loss.” From an emotional standpoint, one may feel a deep lack, unusual sadness, confusion, or even hatred when considering the blessings of another.
Our Church declares, “Envy is a capital sin. It refers to the sadness at the sight of another’s goods and the immoderate desire to acquire them for oneself, even unjustly. When it wishes grave harm to a neighbor it is a mortal sin” (CCC 2539). Where does this sin come from? “Through the devil’s envy death entered the world” (Wis. 2:24).
Envy expresses itself in a variety of subtle and not-so-subtle ways. One of the tools that I use in my examination of conscience before I go to Confession lists a series of helpful questions under each of the Seven Deadly Sins. Under the category of “envy,” these authors ask:
- Have I spread false rumors or gossiped about someone?
- Have I rejoiced in the difficult circumstances of another?
- Have I been overly critical or judgmental?
- Have I resented my current vocation or state in life?
- Have I been jealous or envious of another’s blessings, ignoring the gifts I have been given?
- Have I been reckless or careless with my money or possessions?
- Have I made purchases out of a desire to keep pace with my peers?
You may be surprised that some of those sins find their root in envy. Let us each take a moment to examine our hearts, minds, and consciences around these prompts.
Our Church provides an antidote to envy – humility. “Envy represents a form of sadness and therefore a refusal of charity; the baptized person should struggle against it by exercising good will. Envy often comes from pride; the baptized person should train himself to live in humility” (CCC 2540). Perhaps we could each identify one thing we could do today to offer charity to someone of whom we’ve been envious. Let us pray for the grace of good will and ask the Holy Spirit to help us embody this paradox of the Kingdom of God, the last will be first, and the first will be last.
St John Chrysostom said, “Would you like to see God glorified by you? Then rejoice in your brother’s progress and you will immediately give glory to God. Because his servant could conquer envy by rejoicing in the merits of others, God will be praised.”
May God be praised in and by us all, now and forever!
I’ll see you in the Eucharist,
Elizabeth Wells