Of the 7 deadly sins, lust, envy, anger, greed, gluttony and sloth, theologians and philosophers have a special place for pride. For pride is the deadliest of all, the root of all evil, and the beginning of sin. To have pride means to have a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, aware of one’s own dignity, or the qualities or possessions that are widely admired by one’s self. St. Thomas Aquines defines pride as an excessive desire for one’s own self, which rejects subjection to God. But why is this so dangerous, because it puts “self” first, before God or others. When pride is at the basis of your existence then nothing else matters but yourself, your desires, your wants, and your needs. You never consider another person feelings or wants. The only thing you care about is yourself. God is not a priority, nor a desire. Pride has been called the sin from which all others arise. Why is pride so dangerous, because it also plays a role in every other sin we commit. Pride is the sin we most share with Satan and fallen angels. Satan refused to serve God or submit to God’s plans and how many of us are like this. Refusing to submit to what God calls us to be and to do, in this life of ours. When Jesus told the disciples the 2 great commandment, it is these 2 commandments that keep us in check. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) Remember, PRIDE goes before the fall. God Bless. Amen.