Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 466 – Part III.

YOUCAT Question n. 466 - Part III. What is envy, and how can you fight against it?

(Youcat answer - repeated) Envy is sadness and annoyance at the sight of another’s well-being and the desire to acquire unjustly what others have. Anyone who wishes other people ill commits a serious sin. Envy decreases when we try to rejoice more and more in the accomplishments and gifts of others, when we believe in God’s benevolent providence for ourselves as well, and when we set our hearts on true wealth, which consists of the fact that we already participate in God’s life through the Holy Spirit.     

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2540) Envy represents a form of sadness and therefore a refusal of charity; the baptized person should struggle against it by exercising good will. Envy often comes from pride; the baptized person should train himself to live in humility: Would you like to see God glorified by you? Then rejoice in your brother's progress and you will immediately give glory to God. Because his servant could conquer envy by rejoicing in the merits of others, God will be praised (St. John Chrysostom, Hom. in Rom. 71, 5: PG 60, 448).     

Reflecting and meditating 

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2554) The baptized person combats envy through good-will, humility, and abandonment to the providence of God.   

(The next question is: Why does Jesus demand that we practice “poverty in spirit”?)