THROUGH UNTRUE

Developmental psychologists assert that babies are inherently selfish, impulsive, and fixated on their needs. They scream their displeasure when they do not get what they want. Displaying an intense sense of entitlement, they expect to receive love and care without feeling any need to reciprocate these.

However, this blatant selfishness is not driven by malice, greed, or cunning. Babies act this way due to their primal instinct for survival. Being selfish is a crucial phase of their development, enabling them to obtain what is necessary for their continued existence. As we mature, this innate selfishness is gradually diminished by a growing sense of being loved, protected, and secure.
Regrettably, not everyone outgrows their infantile selfishness. Some individuals remain self-centered as adults, failing to cultivate altruism and compassion. We see around us egoistic narcissists who embrace an "I-Me-Mine" attitude, elevating self-interest as the sole moral standard. They pursue their desires without consideration for the consequences of their actions.

In many respects, this ethos of rabid self-interest permeates contemporary culture. Numerous married couples separate or divorce because one partner prioritizes their individual needs at the expense of the other. This leads to manipulation, blame, or avoidance, hindering the resolution of disputes and misunderstandings.

The scourge of self-interest in politics has disillusioned citizens who, having witnessed the massive corruption in government, have begun to believe that all politicians prioritize personal gain over the greater good.

The internet is also saturated with social media platforms that encourage self-centered behavior. Many users obsessively share selfies, videos, and TikToks online, seeking as many likes, followers, and subscribers as possible.

In the business world, the pursuit of profit often leads to decisions that prioritize short-term gains over employee well-being and environmental preservation. Self-interest frequently results in unethical conduct, including fraud, insider trading, price fixing, and worker exploitation. While the concept of "corporate social responsibility" has been adopted by many entrepreneurs, some employ it primarily as a tax shield rather than genuinely sharing profits with the less fortunate.

Churches are not exempt from malignant selfishness. Many believers promote their own agendas, thereby sowing disagreements and conflicts that weaken the unity and harmony of the Church. Ecclesiastical leaders who cling to power and privilege or engage in scandalous affairs, damage their credibility in the eyes of the faithful and undermine the integrity of the Church through their selfish actions.

Today’s reading addresses this growing menace of selfishness. Jesus says: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). At first glance, this injunction seems to demand a complete renunciation of self-interest. However, a more nuanced interpretation suggests that denying oneself entails aligning personal desires with a higher purpose. Denying oneself involves purifying our desires and ambitions, evaluating our choices and motivations, and accepting accountability for our misdeeds.

Let's face it. There is a selfish urge in all of us. None of us is totally free from the desire to put ourselves first. But if we try to overcome this desire, we will discover that being kind and generous to others is more fulfilling than simply loving ourselves. As one comedian puts it: "I'm a narcissist and all I experience is unrequited love. My self cannot love me back."

Jesus's call to deny oneself should be understood within the broader context of His teachings on love, compassion, and humility. Our focus should shift from satisfying our own needs to a broader awareness of our interconnectedness as human beings and our responsibility to positively affect the lives of others.