A single dead fly or other insect, will be likely to spoil a pot of sweet ointment, and to make its owner put it aside. To be a sweet savour to Christ, who has bought us to be His, is our calling as Christians. Is there not something that hinders this, and is likely to render all our religious profession and service unacceptable to Him? We shall find it, if we watch ourselves; easily, too, may we find it, and very often. This is self; self-esteem and the desire of others; this is the dead fly, that spoils our service, both of God, and our neighbour. In preaching, what Priest may not detect this spoiling evil, this dead fly? In almsgiving, in daily intercourse with others, in conversation especially, who can deny its continual presence in his heart? Did not Jesus say of Himself, I seek not my own glory? But, which of us can truly say so? And did He not blame the Pharisees; all their work they do to be seen of men? Let these His words guide and warn us - We should pray much, and be on our guard against this very besetting sin. What are we? vile, corrupt creatures; sinners, pardoned and accepted of God, through the merits of another, and with out whom we can do nothing truly good. Let the recollection of this make and keep us humble and meek. Where humility is there also is wisdom.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp