self-knowledge

Genesis 17:3-9; Ps 105 The Lord remembers his covenant for ever; John 8:51-59

The question posed by the Jews to Jesus, "Who do you make yourself out to be?"

This is a good question not just about the identity of Christ but a good question for us as we continue our journey to Easter in this Lenten Season.

One of the hearts of spiritual growth is self-knowledge. This self-study, this self-examination is a life long process. Just as we should be attentive the presence of God daily in and around our lives, so too must we be attentive to that introspection that gives us insight into our lives.

Self-knowledge enables us to relate on various levels with others in the broad spectrum of human experiences:joy, sorrow, hurt, shame, success, failures and so on.

Being aware of our own feelings and limitations can help create a bridge when it comes to loving our neighbor as ourself.

Self-knowledge also helps fortify our relationship with God.
Nothing separates us from God more than our inability to recognize one's limitations in his sight. A man who is honest about himself is prepared to be honest with God. Isn't honesty the ground of love, allowing it to become fruitful.

Self-knowledge is indispensable in the journey of the interior life by which we aim to reach the summit of love of God.

This requires daily checking because life flees form our grasp on a daily basis.

At the end of each day a self-examination can help. St Jose maria Escriva would often suggest a simple examination. Three questions we can ask to grow in our knowledge of ourselves and deepen our resolve in loving God and neighbor.

1)What do I do well-give thanks
2)What did I do badly-ask for forgives and greater resolve to do it differently
3)What could I have done better-make a resolution to improve

In this cue specifics matter. We can't be generic about our feelings or actions. We must look at our selves as we are in those particular avenues of relating: words spoken, thoughts entertained, actions put forth.

In the words of St. Augustine, God is especially demanding because he knows how good we can be. St Augustine states the following, "as soon as you are satisfied with yourself, there you will stop. If you say "that is enough", you are "lost."