Thought for the Day – 12 February – SELF-LOVE

Thought for the Day – 12 February – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

SELF-LOVE

“Self-love dies three days after ourselves,” St Francis de Sales was accustomed to remark.
What he meant was that it is very difficult to think and act only for God, without our own ego raising its head and stealing some of His glory.
It is difficult to be humble in the presence of God.
But, it is more difficult still,to be humble before men.

When anyone genuflects in front of the Altar and begins to pray in the presence of God, it is not too difficult for him to bow his head and recognise his own weakness and dependance.
But it is different among other men.
In the presence of men, we are easily tempted to display ourselves and our endowments.
We feel displeased when we are not noticed, not praised.

Let us steer clear of the esteem of men.
Humility is the foundation of every virtue.
If we are not humble, we can never become holy!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci