Like the sun which shines on all alike, vainglory beams on every occupation. What I mean is this. I fast, and turn vainglorious. I stop fasting so that I will draw no attention to myself, and I become vainglorious over my prudence. I dress well or badly, and am vainglorious in either case. I talk or I hold my peace, and each time I am defeated. No matter how I shed this prickly thing, a spike remains to stand up against me.” - St. John Climacus
31 January 2008
On Vainglory
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3 comments:
can't get this out of my head since I read it. thanks, i guess :)
The greatest temptation is to do the right thing for the wrong reasons. I wonder, if such a great temptation can beset a saint like St. John Climacus, how I have any chance at all?
Hopefully, the Lord will see the deed and forgive me for the bad intent.
I think as long as we strive to do the right thing for what we think are the RIGHT reasons, that's the best we can do.
I turn this around and think of St. Nicholas doing what was viewed as a "bad" and aggressive deed for the "right" reasons.
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