Daily Mass Gospel Reflection- The Addictive Ego

Word on Fire Ministry ^ | 01.22.22 | Aux. Bishop R. Barron

[MurphsLaw]

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Mark 3:20-21

Friends, in today’s Gospel, relatives of Jesus claim that he is mad, and scribes blaspheme him, charging that he is possessed by Beelzebul. You know, in cases like this, the basic problem is always the fearful ego. Ego-addicts know that sometimes the best defense is a good offense. If you want to protect the ego and its prerogatives, you must oppress and demoralize those around you.

There is a very unsubtle version of this method: you attack, put down, insult, and undermine those around you. This is the method of the bully. But the religious version is much subtler and thus more insidious and dangerous. It takes the Law itself—especially the moral law—and uses it to accuse and oppress. “I know what’s right and wrong; I know what the Church expects of us; and I know that you are not living up to it.”

And so I accuse you; I gossip about you; I remind you of your inadequacy. Mind you, this is not to condemn the legitimate exercise of fraternal correction or the office of preaching. But it’s a reminder to not be sucked in to the slavery of ego addiction. We must stay alert to this and avoid it at all costs.

[MurphsLaw]

+++Jesus came with his
disciples into the house.
Again the crowd gathered,
making it impossible for them even
to eat.
When his relatives heard of this
they set out to seize him,
for they said,
“He is out of his mind.” +++

[ebb tide]

Ego-addicts know that sometimes the best defense is a good offense. If you want to protect the ego and its prerogatives, you must oppress and demoralize those around you.

Good description of Humble Jorge.