Certain beginners feel disappointed when they perceive the goodness in another. They suffer from profound envy and can hardly bear it when they realize that someone else is ahead of them on the spiritual path. They would rather not hear another be praised. When they find that another's virtues are being celebrated, they can't stand it and are compelled to contradict them. Because no one is saying such great things about them, their annoyance grows; they yearn for preference in all things.
This, of course, is quite contrary to charity, which St. Paul says rejoices in goodness.... Mostly, those whose hearts hold charity are happy when another surpasses them in service to God; they are well aware of their own inadequacy in serving God.
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