#F462 Terapia das Doenças Espirituais.19- A Soberba

Summary

The script delves into the concept of spiritual pride, considered a root sin above the seven deadly sins, as discussed by St. Gregory the Great and St. Thomas Aquinas. It emphasizes that pride is a spiritual disorder opposing God's plan, leading to self-destruction and harming others. The transcript contrasts pride with humility and magnanimity, highlighting the importance of recognizing our utter dependence on God's grace to achieve sanctity. It warns of pride's growth during spiritual progress and the need for humility to counteract it, providing a profound exploration of the soul's tendencies towards virtue and vice.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The prayer begins with invoking the Holy Trinity, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance in all actions.
• 📚 The discussion centers on 'spiritual diseases' and the concept of 'vainglory', a sin not traditionally listed among the seven deadly sins but considered the root of all sins by some theologians.
• 👑 Saint Gregory the Great is mentioned as having removed 'pride' from the list of seven deadly sins, considering it the root of all sins rather than one of them.
• 📖 Reference is made to the Book of Ecclesiastes, where pride is identified as the beginning of all sin, reinforcing the idea of pride as a foundational vice.
• 🧐 Saint Thomas Aquinas is cited for his argument that pride is the root of all sins, based on three main points: it is a disorder seeking one's own excellence, a lack of submission to divine commands, and a tendency stemming from original sin.
• 😇 The importance of spiritual sins over carnal sins is highlighted, with the spiritual sin of pride being considered more severe as it directly opposes God.
• 😈 The script discusses the spiritual nature of pride, explaining that demons can only commit pride and envy, as they are spiritual beings without physical desires.
• 🌟 The role of virtues such as humility and magnanimity is explored in contrast to pride, with humility acknowledging our dependence on God and magnanimity embracing God's plan for our greatness.
• 💔 Pride is depicted as a trap that can ensnare individuals as they grow spiritually, leading to a sense of self-importance and vanity in their spiritual pursuits.
• 🚫 The script warns of the dangers of pride, especially for those on a spiritual path, as it can lead to a downfall similar to that of Lucifer, who rebelled against God out of pride.
• 🔑 Understanding pride involves recognizing the four types of pride described by Saint Gregory the Great: claiming virtues as one's own, believing one deserves divine gifts, pretending to have qualities one lacks, and comparing oneself favorably to others.

Q & A

What is the significance of the prayer mentioned at the beginning of the transcript?

The prayer signifies the invocation of the Holy Trinity for guidance and strength in actions, emphasizing that everything should begin and end with God's will, reflecting a Christian belief in divine providence.

Why did Saint Gregory the Great remove 'pride' from the list of seven deadly sins?

Saint Gregory the Great removed 'pride' because he considered it not as one of the seven, but rather as the root of all seven sins, making it a 'super deadly sin' or a sin that stands above the others.

According to Saint Thomas Aquinas, why is pride considered the beginning of all sins?

Saint Thomas Aquinas argues that pride is the beginning of all sins because it is a disordered desire for one's own excellence, which can lead to other sins as individuals seek happiness and fulfillment in ways that are contrary to God's plan.

What is the difference between pride and the spiritual sin of 'superbia' as discussed in the script?

While pride is a common understanding of self-importance, 'superbia' in the script refers to an extreme form of pride that is considered a spiritual sin, opposing God's will and seeking to replace God's role in one's life.

How does the script relate the concept of pride to the original sin of Adam and Eve?

The script suggests that the original sin of Adam and Eve was an act of pride, as they sought to be like God by eating from the tree of knowledge, which was a direct disobedience to God's command and a desire to determine good and evil themselves.

What is the role of humility in understanding and combating the sin of pride?

Humility is essential in recognizing one's dependence on God and acknowledging one's own limitations and sins. It brings individuals back to the reality of their 'nothingness' without God and helps in avoiding the sin of pride.

What is the difference between humility and pusillanimity as portrayed in the script?

Humility is recognizing one's dependence on God and accepting one's limitations, while pusillanimity is a form of self-deprecation that refuses to accept the greatness of God's plan for an individual, leading to inaction and lack of spiritual growth.

How does the script describe the relationship between humility and magnanimity?

The script describes humility and magnanimity as complementary virtues. Humility acknowledges one's need for God's grace, while magnanimity embraces the great plan God has for individuals, allowing them to grow in grace and become saints.

What are the four types of pride mentioned by Saint Gregory the Great in the script?

The four types of pride mentioned are: 1) Believing one's virtues come from oneself, 2) Believing one deserves God's gifts because of one's merits, 3) Claiming to have virtues or merits that one does not actually possess, and 4) Comparing oneself to others and placing oneself above them unjustly.

Why does the script suggest that pride can be particularly dangerous when one is growing spiritually?

The script suggests that as individuals grow spiritually and overcome other sins, they may become more susceptible to pride, as they might start to feel self-satisfied with their progress and spiritual achievements, leading to a potential downfall.

What is the script's advice on how to handle the sin of pride when it arises during spiritual growth?

The script advises to be vigilant and to study the therapy of pride, which involves understanding its manifestations and roots, and to remain humble and open to God's grace, avoiding self-congratulation and focusing on learning rather than teaching.