Letters From Home Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time - Ms. Joan Watson
Jan 22, 2026
Joan Watson delves into the biblical theme of envy, highlighting King Saul's jealousy of David. She distinguishes between sinful envy and healthy desires, urging self-reflection on personal feelings of envy. Citing the Catechism and St. Augustine, she reveals envy as a gateway to deeper sins throughout Scripture. Watson also addresses social implications, warning about the role of social media in fostering division. To combat envy, she offers practical tips like practicing gratitude and humility.
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Envy Is Deep Spiritual Sadness
- Envy is more than wanting someone's goods; it is sorrow at another's good and wishing they not have it.
- Joan Watson links envy to the deeper moral disorder that blinds one to communal good.
Saul's Jealous Rage Over David
- Joan Watson recounts Saul's anger when women praised David more than Saul after battle.
- Saul's envy grows into murderous intent until Jonathan intervenes to spare David.
Envy Breeds Further Sin
- Envy frequently precipitates other grave sins like hatred, detraction, adultery, and murder.
- Joan Watson traces biblical examples from Joseph's brothers to David to show envy’s destructive chain.