All boasting is Evil

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 7th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 9:3-40*

*FIRST READING Jas 4:13-17*

*All boasting is Evil*

*1) What is boasting*

In simple words boasting means excessively proud and self-satisfied talk about one's achievements, possessions, or abilities.

It is nothing but over confidence about ones abilities, talents and skills 

It is an mind set where a person thinks, that only I can do it. Others are not able to do it.

*2) Various Forms of Boasting*

Boasting can take various forms. Some of them may be following 

A boasting person does not care for others, others suggestions and opinions

Such a person thinks, he/she can do anything, where as others are unable to do it 

Boasting person, thinks he/she is of higher standard, and others do not match him/her in any way 

Arrogance also a kind boasting where a person does not listen to anyone 

Boasting person all the time speaks about the self and not about others 

Boasting person thinks that world runs because of Him/Her. 

Boasting person thinks that there is nothing to learn and thinks that  he/she knows everything

*3) Why boasting is Evil? 

The attitude of boasting does not recognize the providence of God in anything 

The attitude of boasting, totally neglects the *other* in everything. Other has no place in the person who boasts 

Since Boasting leads to other forms of bad things, it is evil by nature

Boasting results in humiliation, degradation, and dehumanization

Boasting values only the self excluding God and others. 

Boasting person uses others for his/her personal gain and for selfish motives 

Because of these reasons boasting is evil

*4) Boasting does not help in any way, but it is a hurdle*

By boasting one gains nothing, but on the contrary loses many things 

It is a hurdle for learning new things, practicing kingdom values like, forgiveness, generosity, humility, sharing and love 

Boasting does not allow us to grow in any way 

*5) Signs of boasting in my life*

Arrogance, which does not allow one to learn anything new 

Lack of forgiveness, results when one thinks he/she is always right 

Selfishness, makes a person to think that self is more important than others 

Anger is the offshoot of boasting 

Hypocrisy is the shade of boasting 

*So what are the symptoms of boasting do I have?*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*