When was the last time that you were honest, truly honest? How many of us keep holding onto that delusional aspiration of a safe and comfortable relationship built on external smiles, hollow dialogues, and cheesy silence-fillers. Isn’t it obvious that it is destined to fail? How many times are we swayed and dominated by the stupefying fear manifested in the recurrent thought: “What will he/she think of me?” And why is it so difficult to present ourselves openly–without recurring to a variety of masks and camouflages that are so common in our daily interactions– to the other person?
We all tend to cast out towards the others, hoping to find some source of self-affirmation. We look for a reaffirming smile, look of understanding, an encouraging nod. But, what is it that we are really seeking? Do we even know?
We are all seeking acceptance, friendship, and, ultimately, love. In the end, nothing else will satisfy us. It is a desire that permeates everything we do. Unfortunately, the answer to that desire has been advertised as a 99-cent, caffeine-free, no calorie, no sugar, great-tasting beverage that includes free refills. It is supposed to be something pain-free, low-risk, and full of smooth sailing. And we gullibly believe it.
Fr. Leo On Treating People As Products
But, in reality, every authentic relationship requires those tough and uncomfortable honesty moments, those moments when the mask is removed, and the real person comes out into the light. It is a moment of risk when we sacrifice all control over our image and offer our true identity to other people, placing ourselves vulnerably in their hands, knowing that they are free to accept and love or to reject and despise. It is a moment of courage and sacrifice that is absolutely indispensable.
Those who are unwilling to take this step must resign themselves to daily superficiality. They must become chameleons, changing their colors according to the desires they perceive in others. Every gesture, every look, and every laugh is organized and used to reconstruct themselves so as to incarnate the other’s expectations. And while this road might promise an active social life, numerous acquaintances, and plenty of text messages, it is, nevertheless, one of inner loneliness and great sorrow, as one day you must face the fact you sacrificed your true self for a delusion of approval.
Let us then take advantage of today’s video’s message: the only relationship that’s really worth it, is one based on truth. This doesn’t mean, of course, that we must recklessly blurt out all sorts of private information to everyone we know. Rather, between the two extremes of an inflated self-exposure and a lock-tight self-enclosure, we need to live a healthy openness whose ultimate criterion is charity: revealing our own interior, our weaknesses, and our strengths, to those who are adept to receive and to whom such action would be beneficial.
Questions for Dialogue
How many of my relationships are based on the truth? Do I tend to be honest with those around me? Do I tend to demand the same of my friends and loved ones? What fears or defects keep me from being real with others? What do you consider to be a model relationship? Is it one based on the worldly values, or those found in Christ?
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
- America’s 250th, Courtesy Of Holy Catholic Influencers
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly The American Catholic Church used influencers before brands did. Meet four of the influencers who changed politics, pop culture, and piety across the United States, and join the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, the only Church approved Marian apparition in the United States, in encountering all the holy influencers… Read more: America’s 250th, Courtesy Of Holy Catholic Influencers - Missionary Medics: A VOCATION BEYOND BORDERS
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Medicine was once considered a vocation. It remains a vocation, no matter what the world tries to convince us otherwise. As doctors, we are called to imitate the First Physician – to heal not only the body but also the soul. This is never possible unless He is the… Read more: Missionary Medics: A VOCATION BEYOND BORDERS - NYU NightFire: How Young Catholics Are Finding Peace In The City That Never Sleeps
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly New York is known as “the city that doesn’t sleep.” There is this constant exhausting energy. Everyone speed-walks like they’re late to a meeting, even though they aren’t. They’re just heading to Blank Street for a matcha latte. One of the biggest struggles of this current generation is finding… Read more: NYU NightFire: How Young Catholics Are Finding Peace In The City That Never Sleeps - Catholic Shops That Don’t Use AI To Create Products
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Catholic-Link.org is committed to publishing articles and images free from the use of AI. We believe that writing and art should come from the heart of a human soul in order to fully express the truth, beauty, and goodness of God. The Holy Spirit is the divine influencer who… Read more: Catholic Shops That Don’t Use AI To Create Products - How Music Helps Me Go From Distracted To Devoted In My Prayer Time As A Catholic
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Music has always been a part of my life. Since I was three years old, my mom arranged for a music teacher to teach me how to play the organ. Ever since then, music has been something I need on road trips, at the office, and even in my… Read more: How Music Helps Me Go From Distracted To Devoted In My Prayer Time As A Catholic
