On one hand, when I see the person before me regardless of creed, character or career, they are fellow human beings created in the image of God – paradoxically having dignity as well as broken by the hardship of life.

On the other hand, the human being fellow child of God before me is unique and different, offering a chance for me to see my own uniqueness as well. God is indeed creative in his human projects.

Too often, the temptation to be preoccupied with our own anger and frustration and then losing sight and losing control resulting in treating those before us as objects is a real present danger. Pride is one aspect, but the hidden pains and brokenness which require healing and attention is another less mentioned factor perhaps for fear of it becoming an excuse for wrongdoing.

No matter what, we are responsible for our actions. And during this season of Advent, in the light of the need for us to confront ourselves honestly, we humble ourselves to discover what “Only God knows” … even just a glimpse, so we can respond appropriately. The good old word is “repentance” I think.

CS Lewis once wrote, “…it is Pride which has been the chief cause of misery in every nation and every family since world began. Other vices may sometimes bring people together… But Pride always means enmity – it is enmity. And not only enmity between man and man, but enmity to God.”

And he goes on, “Whenever we find that our religious life is making us feel that we are good – above all, that we are better than someone else – I think we may be sure that we are being acted on, not by God, but by the devil… For Pride is spiritual cancer: it eats up the very possibility of love or contentment or even common sense.”

Honestly, I couldn’t agree more with CS Lewis. Unfortunately, I have not been exempt of Pride…