When people are jealous or envious of another person's abilities, talents or achievements, some may begin to find ways and means to belittle the other person or put the other person down. Sometimes a person may go to the extend of committing character assassination on another person just to eliminate what they perceive is a threat to their prestige, power or position. There have also been cases of people actually going to the extend of committing murder. Pride could lead some people to committing hideous sins just to protect their interests or status.
In today's Gospel, we see how some of the people were jealous when Jesus had cast out a devil, and they tried to belittle Jesus by saying "It is through Beelzebul, the prince of devils, that he casts out devils." Others asked him, as a test, for a sign from heaven. By trying to belittle Jesus, these people were actually making a fool of themselves. They were talking rubbish or nonsense, as their jealousy had clouded their minds and made them unable to think or argue logically or sensibly. Moreover, Jesus began to "go to town" giving these people a good lecture or reprimand for making such silly comments or accusations.
What about us? Have we been quite jealous of other people, that we may have made similar comments? Have we allowed pride to take control of us? Let us be cautious and not allow ourselves to be consumed with jealousy and pride, as these would only lead us to our ruin. Let us learn to be humble and thankful for our gifts, abilities and talents, as well as the gifts, abilities and talents of others. God made each and every one of us unique and special in different ways. Why should we be jealous and proud?
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