Thursday after Septuagesima: On the Malicious and Miserable Results of Envy

Meditation.

ON THE MALICIOUS AND MISERABLE RESULTS OF ENVY.

1ST POINT. Envious persons outrage nature, which produces only that which is good, and grace, which cannot act in concert, or ally itself with any evil, because they derive their happiness and satisfaction from the disasters, the evils, and sorrows which afflict their fellow men. When the enemy of God wishes to ensnare souls through any of the other vices, he invariably clothes the temptation in those allurements which appeal to the gratification of the senses. But to the envious he presents only vexation and trouble. It is this which causes the envious to resemble those malicious spirits, who are miserable because they cannot endure the contemplation of the happiness of others, and who desire to work evil, although they know it cannot profit them in any way.

2D POINT. An envious person is the enemy of all, and inflicts mortal wounds on charity. As charity is the root of all virtues, it may be said that envy is the chief of all vices. It was the cruel beast that devoured the innocent Joseph. An avaricious man is averse to sharing his goods with others, and will resort to every stratagem to prevent others from using them. He is a monster of iniquity and injustice, to whom the tranquillity of a good conscience is inconceivable.

3D POINT. An envious person sins against the Holy Ghost, opposes every blessing that He would communicate to the soul, and endeavors to extinguish his love. The apostate makes war against his truth, and the envious his divine goodness. Both offend the love and truth of the Spirit of God. It is this which renders their sin so heinous that it is supposed to be unpardonable. All other vices make war only against those virtues which are opposed to them. Envy makes war with every virtue, because it cannot bear that any of them should be praised, valued, or practised. Are you not the slave of this diabolical passion? Are you pleased at beholding your equals esteemed and honored? Does not their elevation cast you down and make you sad? does not their courage seem to enfeeble you? does not their downfall exalt and delight you? Are you proud? Then you are envious; you spurn at the idea of having either a superior or equal, and when one is elevated above you, envy seizes on you and reigns within you. Oh detestable sin! which inflicts misery through the happiness of others. Oh diabolical evil! which deprives one of the inestimable merits of charity!