On Jealousy and Loneliness
(Episode 5)
+ Question 1
Recently I've felt trapped in a "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality - everything seems to make me feel jealous. My co-worker got a promotion I wasn't even going for, and rather than be happy for him, I felt envious that he got some well-deserved recognition from the higher-ups. My sister recently announced she's pregnant again, and even though I do not want another child, I felt secret envy that she's now the family's center of attention. I know these are poisonous thoughts but I don't know how to break out of them. Can you give me some advice for not feeling so envious?
+ Question 2
I love being Catholic, but I often feel lonely within my own parish. Folks are always very friendly at Mass, and to be fair, before the pandemic hit there were a few potluck dinners in our parish hall, but for the most part I experience a lack of fellowship, and it hurts. Where can I find friendship within the Church?