What makes us look like the devil

When we sin, we often try to ease our guilt by saying, “At least I am not as bad as those corrupt politicians, rapists, or drug pushers.”

- THROUGH UNTRUE FR. ROLANDO Y. DELA ROSA, O.P.

In doing so, we resemble the Pharisee in today's Gospel reading who prays, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men—greedy, dishonest, or adulterous” (Luke 18:11). Because of pride, he downplays his own faults by magnifying the flaws of others. It is like believing you are slim simply because you are standing next to someone overweight.

Pride, in its healthy form, can be a sign of self-respect or dignity. There is nothing wrong with being proud of one's intelligence, beauty, or other gifts that God has given. But pride can easily mutate into an inflated sense of self-worth. When this happens, we resemble the devil, who was once an angel but, having been blinded by his own greatness, declared: “I will not serve. I will ascend to the heavens... I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13-14).