As I wrote yesterday, the ego needs constant stimulation in order to maintain a sense of identity. One of its greatest tricks is the pendulum-swing of grandiosity and self-disdain: I am wonderful, special, and worthy of adoration, or I am a horrible person, the worst sinner, and completely unredeemable. Regardless of which way the pendulum is swinging or stuck, the ego loves this kind of drama. But the very last thing we want to do is get into a fight with the ego, which is like wrestling with a pig: we get dirty and the pig has a good time. Also, obsessing about the ego just feeds it. The best way to overcome darkness is to simply turn on the light. Ceasely place your mind and heart on God’s truth, beauty, and goodness, and seek to serve others selflessly. In time, the ego will either fall away altogether or become nothing more than harmless background noise. It also helps to laugh whenever you can because the ego thrives on misery and resists authentic happiness. When in doubt, offer your ego to heaven, and let the angels worry about it. Thomas Merton taught, “The only thing that burns in hell is the ego.”
Divine God,
You made this
Petulant, childish ego;
Please take care of it!
