Who Is Holier on Social Media?

When holiness becomes an occasion for competition

Being on social media nowadays can feel both like a blessing and a curse

As a Catholic writer who wants to be in the company of people who share my faith, I have felt blessed on a countless occasions from online peers who supported me and even prayed for me when I needed it most.

On the other hand, I must admit that there are times when I felt rather “short” of the holiness I need to continue my ministry whenever I start comparing myself to other Catholics online. There were times when I even felt afraid of being judged for my weaknesses.

How do I ever measure up to those who seem more advanced in their spiritual growth?

But I guess the worst thing in my experience are social media discussions that seemed to be on the edge of making holiness an idol for competition. It’s almost as though spiritual growth was a prize for individual achievement rather than a grace to be grateful for.

Have you ever experienced times when instead of companionship, your social media circle had been a medium for endless arguments, turmoil and rivalry?

It is not that we should avoid productive criticisms and healthy debates altogether. We need them to grow in our faith. But there are times when everything just gets out of hand, and we lose what should be the true focus of our discussions: the infinite love and mercy of God.

Holiness as an idol

Sometimes I think holiness becomes an idol that even competes for our attention when it comes to worshiping God.

There seems to be a very thin line we sometimes cross when it comes to being righteous. And this line is whenever we forget where true righteousness comes from.

While our efforts and cooperation with God’s will is very important, we should never forget that without God’s help, we can never be saved. If we could save ourselves with self-effort, Jesus wouldn’t have come down from heaven to save us all.

Our problem is when, like Martha, we become anxious of many things while forgetting the part we should focus on. When holiness and acts of holiness becomes an idol, it replaces even our due worship of God.

True holiness

True holiness is rooted in our deeply personal and sincere relationship with God. It is aware of the truth of our sinfulness and of the boundless mercy of God.

True holiness does not look down upon other people. It should help us see others as neighbors to be loved.

I remember one sister’s testimony on becoming a religious. She mentioned that the only difference between her and others who may live sinful lives is the grace of God that is at work in their lives. The only difference is that they have not yet discovered the merciful God who loves them and who longs to save them for eternity.

Do we also look at other people that way?

St. Teresa has a very memorable quote when it comes to seeing the sins of other people:

“If I see people do anything which clearly seems to be sin, I cannot make up my mind that they have offended God; and if I dwell upon this at all,--which happens rarely or never,--I never can make up my mind, though I see it plainly enough. It seems to me that everybody is as anxious to serve God as I am. And herein God has been very gracious unto me, for I never dwell on an evil deed, to remember it afterwards and if I do remember it, I see some virtue or other in that person.”
- Life of St. Teresa of Avila

Healing our self-righteousness

I cannot excuse myself from the sin of self-righteousness. If I were to be honest with myself, I must admit that there were times when I felt proud of myself and confident of my efforts and good works. Not until God showed me my weaknesses did I face the truth about my sinfulness. He has shown me that without His grace, I could do none of the things I used to boast about.

May we always remember from whom true holiness comes from. Our confidence should not be on our own righteousness but on the grace and mercy of God.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

“He also spoke this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself like this: “God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men: extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.” But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.’” - Luke 18:9-14, WEBBE

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When Religious People Break Your Heart

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