This was the title of a short reflection I read recently. If we were to give our own definition of the remedy, the obvious one would be just don’t do it! But it is not as easy as that. We all get caught up in it to some degree at different times of our lives. This can be dependent on how we are emotionally etc at a certain time of life and the people in our lives.
This short reflection gave a story of two young boys relaying to a grandparent what each had done over the weekend. The first boy was so excited with his weekend. The second boy said he hadn’t done much although he had been camping with his Dad. This should have been exciting for him but he was jealous of his younger brother and the good time he had with an Aunt and Uncle. Jealousy negated all that was good.
This example exemplifies how jealousy will rob us of our own good times and not enjoy the good occasions and blessings of others. We see how this will impact in a work situation when employees or even employers can’t complement each other’s abilities for the benefit of their work environment and the firm. This is very evident in a marriage. A husband and wife complement and build on the strengths and abilities of each other and not see these abilities as a threat to them and a beautiful marriage.
When we look to the scriptures for an example a very obvious one is Saul and David. 1 Sam 18:5-15 ‘So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.’ Saul as King should have encouraged the young soldier in David and all his wonderful exploits in battle. David was strengthening the kingdom for Saul but he could only see David as a threat. He becomes so incensed he could only look for an occasion to kill him.
The beginning for us, is be happy with who we are and what we have achieved and to see everything as a blessing from God. If we can do this for ourselves then we can delight in the blessings that God has bestowed on others.
For me everything is a blessing from God. I have difficulty with the comment when someone says that we deserve this or that. We don’t deserve anything; we are blest with life and anything that God, in his mercy, is willing to share with us is wonderful.
If life is a gift then anything we enjoy in life is all gift! So how can we say I am entitled to this or I deserve this? We are a living blessing from God and we are of God.
For all things, let us give thanks to God.
The comparison game is foolish and self-destructive. Someone will always have something we don’t or enjoy experiences different from ours. But God has already given us many blessings, including both life on this earth and the promise of eternal life to all who believe. Depending on His help and focusing on Him in thankfulness can help us to overcome jealousy.
Let us always rejoice in what we have and what others enjoy
Fr Michael Morley
Parish Priest
4th January 2019
