The evil of Self

I guess we all struggle at times with being a Christian in a world full of life’s temptations. Our hearts are so often torn between what we know God wants us to do and what we would like to do, because those things we would like to do give to us some form of worldly pleasure, and instant gratification.

But we know that the treasures in this world are not real; money, belongings, wealth, fame, they are all based upon the weakness of our hearts. But worse these treasures are all part of the evil of selfishness. As I read this prayer over and reflect upon my own words I keep thinking about the children of PC Dave Phillips; the photograph of that beautiful family must be etched into the minds of so many of us up and down the country now. We ask why, how? It make so little sense that this young man who pulled on a uniform to protect us should be killed in such a terrible and selfish way, and so we understand the evil of selfishness once more. Those who killed this young man, and did so much harm to this family did so because of self, the evil of self.

Alas Dave Phillips was not the only one killed because of evil, we think of those killed recently at the Umpqua Community College, those lead to die at sea trying to reach Europe all for profit or revenge or just notoriety. In the end it is all self, evil.

As a canon lawyer I read the Gospels often as Jesus’ commands, sometimes they do conflict, but St Matthew does record for us the time Jesus sat upon a hill and spoke to a gathered crowd, the way he spoke was clear and for me he commanded:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.

Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This for me is Jesus’ command for selflessness, for becoming a society dedicated to the other, loving one another, being Samaritans. Is this possible here and now? I guess not, but does that stop you and me; I can only answer for myself and I will try every day to live up to Christ’s call. I will falter for I am only a man, and a poor one at that, but I will try, and surely if we all tried together then together we would make a difference.

Say this prayer with me, and together we can overcome our weaknesses, and attain the true treasure God has in store for us; the Glory which is God.

Lord,
we struggle with our broken and divided hearts.
Bless us with your peace
as we strive to look and act in honesty
about ourselves.
Strengthen in us the glimpse
of the glory you hold in store for us.
Let that be the attractive force
which stirs our hearts
and not the attraction of sin.
Give us true wisdom
in our search for your justice.
Amen
(Walk with Me: Holy See)

For David Phillips, may he Rest in Peace, Amen