2. The Temptation to Judge
It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels. — Saint Augustine
If we are naturally more disciplined or strong-willed than those around us, there is a temptation to spend Lent patting ourselves on the back and comparing ourselves favorably to others. This is exactly what the devil wants. He wants us to think we are better than other people and to grow in pride, which is precisely what we should repent of during Lent.
If we have this tendency, or are experiencing it this Lent, the best antidote is to choose a penance that is absolutely impossible to achieve perfectly and that challenges our tendency toward pride. This helps us to realize that Lent is not about being perfect, type-A, judgers. It is about realizing that even with the natural gifts that God has given us, we are still sinful and very much in need of grace.
