Subtle Disguise

Ronald Rolheiser’s book Sacred Fire is written for “mature disciples.” In one section he discusses “the religious faults of mature disciples.” Rolheiser claims that mature disciples find the seven capital sins disappearing from their lives; however, these “seven deadly sins” may just be in a subtler guise. He writes that pride in a mature disciple may take the form of refusing to be small before God, of being proud that we take the last place and give generously. Envy may take the form of nitpicking, looking for flaws, or omitting compliments. Sloth may involve settling for second-best when better is possible. Greed might not include the desire for money and possessions at all; instead we may wish to accumulate a good name. Capital sins come in small-case letters, I guess.