To what can I liken the human ego?
It is like an artist performing on a stage. Its only desire is the affirmation and praise from the audience. It lives to be applauded, to receive an encore, to be praised for its excellent work. When this happens, it triggers feelings of happiness and joy.
Sometimes, the artist’s ego receives a nonchalant audience response, such as booing, rejection, or a critical and unfavourable review. This triggers feelings of sadness and hurt.
How does Jesus sustain himself in the reality of this double response?
Whether there is praise or boos, Jesus constantly withdraws backstage in prayer to commune with the Father. Whether it’s the praises he receives in Capernaum after healing and curing many illnesses or diseases or the imminent betrayal and suffering, Jesus retreats early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35-36) and goes to Mount Olives (Luke 22:39) respectively.
What sustains the missionary show is not the ego of the dog’s tail wagging the dog, but the dog wagging the tail, that is, communion with the Father.
Beloved Reflections 