There are two sides of the ego in us. The first side is the one that glories in what the self can do or achieve. It considers success as an unaided effort, achieved by the self alone; it compares oneself with others (I’m richer than…; I’m better than…); and it takes pleasure at the failure or misfortune of others. This can even happen in the religious/spiritual circles (I’m a better prophet…; I’m the most powerful priest/pastor…). This is a human tendency, for which we must be watchful if we believe in the power of grace in our lives. Paul understood this very well: “That I, Paul, might not become too elated, because of the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated” (2Cor.12:7). The second side is the one that derides the success of others; ridicules their efforts; seeks to diminish their reputation, influence, and morale. Its aim is to justify one’s own mediocrity and level out any excellent use of gifts. This is the type that would defuse the astonishment at the mighty works of Christ, and reduce his identity to merely “the carpenter, the son of Mary” (Mk.6:3). Pay attention!