(f) Hypocrisy, which seeks to show to the world a better face than what one really has, to pretend to be what one is not. Ever bad.
(g) Obstinacy, which follows self-determination as if that must be right; and a stubbornness which does not suffer a man to give way when his reason has been convinced that he is wrong.
(h) Disobedience, which follows on self-conceit, making a man follow his own wishes and opinions, and disobey just commands, because he desires independence, or because he despises his superiors and those in authority over him.
Sixth Wednesday in Lent.
AVARICE.
1. Avarice or Covetousness is a disorderly and unreasonable and excessive attachment to the things of this world, especially to money.
Now the love of the good things of this world is by no means sinful in itself, it is legitimate. God gives them to us to enjoy. God gives to us earthly things to be possessions, to keep, and to enlarge, and multiply. To throw away wantonly what has been given to us is sinful. For instance, it is sinful to squander money in extravagance, in horse racing, in gambling. Riches are a trust, land and houses are a trust, given us from God, and we must not diminish what we have received, in amount and value, but endeavour to make them more. It is a token of gratitude to God for this gift that we appreciate them, and use them profitably.