We each find within ourselves the desire to be admired and thought well of. This can lead us to live lives of merely apparent or feigned ‘holiness,’ where we do the right thing, but for the wrong reasons. For example, if I were to make a show of praying, intent on drawing attention to myself, I would not be trying to please God but simply seeking the admiration of others (cf. Matthew 6:1-6). Or else, I might study Scripture, not primarily concerned with knowing God and conforming my life to his Word, but only to appear knowledgeable and wise.

It is this kind of false holiness, motivated by pride, that Jesus criticises in the scribes and Pharisees. While few people totally feign holiness, this can be a partial motivation. In fact, more often than not, if we scrutinise our motives sufficiently, we will find something of this instinct present. I can remember once, many years ago, praying at adoration on Holy Thursday night. I was genuine enough in my expression of prayerful solidarity with the Lord, yet I couldn’t help but notice an elderly lady kneeling in adoration. As time wore on and kneeling became uncomfortable, the thought entered my mind that I wasn’t going to be outdone by this pious woman. My prayer, from this point on, was only partially motivated by love of God.

None of us are perfect, and our motivations are often mixed. But let us not seek the attention of others or even compete with them. Jesus calls us to be humble, saying, ‘All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.’ (Matthew 23:12). God knows the secret motives of our hearts—let us make no room for pride.

by Fr Michael Grace