March 21st: Self righteousness: an obstacle to growth

Those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Luke 18:9-14

Learning is a humbling activity. If our cup is full we cannot take any more. We need to constantly empty ourselves before God. I always wondered how some people are so prayerful but their lives do not reflect any changes for the better. Then, reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the section on prayer, I learnt that we must be humble in prayer, acknowledging how much we need God

It is important that our souls are always “kneeling” before God. This formed the first part of the Confessions of St Augustine where he acknowledges that he needs God to work in him. We need to do the same each day.

Lord, I empty myself before you, praying that you pour yourself into me making me a better person today. Amen.