Ah, the “selfie.” We just can’t seem to get enough of ourselves. So much so, that we need to constantly take pictures of ourselves in order to show everyone where we are, what we’re doing, and even what we’re wearing. We always seem to find new ways to make things all about us! The Urban Dictionary defines “selfie” in the following ways…
- A picture taken of yourself that is uploaded to a social networking website.
- The taking of a picture of yourself and posting it online because you have extremely low self-esteem and you need people to comment to tell you how good you look. In reality you just look desperate for attention. And no matter how attractive you might be, you still look pathetic.
And speaking of pathetic, reality TV star Kim Kardashian is slated to put out a selfie book in April fittingly titled “Selfish,” of 352 of the best photos taken by, well, her. I think that “Selfish” is the perfect book title and the perfect theme for our Lenten reflection.
Many times, I think that we have what Pope Francis called “spiritual Alzheimer’s.” It’s when we get so wrapped up in ourselves and everything that we are doing that we have completely forgotten about our encounter with the Lord. We build walls around ourselves and become enslaved to the idols that we have built with our own hands. We become so focused on the things that bring us pleasure and excitement that we forget about the things that give us purpose and meaning. Instead of trying to become someone who we think we want to be, we should be focusing on who we truly are – and that is God’s child. How easily we forget about the one who created us, who gave us our many gifts and talents, and who loves us just the way we are.
I believe that Lent is the perfect time for us to return to God with our whole heart. And we do that through the three spiritual exercises of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Let’s go deeper.
First, we need to start with prayer. I encourage you to take time every day to pray. Pick a time that works best for you and let it become a habit. But remember, prayer is a two-way communication. We can place our petitions to the Lord, but we also must listen, because God has something to say to us too.
Second, we need to fast – and I’m not talking just from food. We need to make a commitment that we will take a few minutes each day to fast from the things that consume our lives (social media, Internet, video games, work, etc.), and then use that time to deepen our relationship with Jesus. We can participate in the many Lenten activities that are being offered (morning Mass, communion services, prayer services, Adore and Worship, Festival of Forgiveness, reconciliation, parish mission, etc.). In other words, we need to disconnect in order to reconnect with our Lord and Savior.
Lastly, we need to do the exact opposite of the “selfie.” I don’t know, but maybe we call it an “otherie” or an “unselfie.” Whatever we call it, we need to change the way we think and act. It’s about giving alms. Instead of pointing all of the attention on ourselves, we need to flip the camera around and start looking at others. We need to picture the situations of those around us. We need to start seeing that others need our attention and love, and then we need to act on it. We must imitate Jesus and live the gospel!
Lent is all about denying ourselves in order to make more room for God. It’s time for us to be selfless, not selfish. It’s time to focus on giving instead of taking. It’s time to stop looking within and start acting without. During these next 40 days and beyond, let us truly empty ourselves so that God can fill us completely.
I have an acquaintance that seems to love putting her selfies on facebook and I cringe everytime I see it. I don’t think she knows how pathetic it makes her look. I want to say something to her but have not yet figured out a tactful way to put it. I never thought of it before that it’s pretty much done out of low self esteem. That makes sense now that you say it. I wholeheartedly agree with you that our focus needs to be on others rather than ourselves. When I’m aggravated or worried about something in my life I remind myself about the Christians in the Middle East who are being murdered because of their faith and then my worries seem so very insignificant. A year ago for lent, I decided to make it my business to pray a rosary every day. (oh, and I also gave up eating bacon …everyone loves bacon, right?) The Rosary has now become something I try to do every morning which requires getting up at least half an hour earlier. In a little notebook, I began compiling a list of people that I include in my prayers. It helps me to see their names written down as I’m praying. I’m going to continue that practice but I’m also going to add more scripture reading and meditation. In fact, I purchased a book of daily meditation for lent and began it today . I’m looking into ways to volunteer although my time is somewhat limited since I work. I appreciate your blog commentaries so please keep on posting. God Bless you and all your readers.
Patricia:
It looks like you’ve taken some great steps to make this a meaningful and spiritual Lent. I wish you well on your Lenten journey. And thank you for your kind words. May God bless you and keep you.
Thank you, Deacon Allen, for this reminder.
When I look back on the past few weeks I notice that the days spent mainly focused on my “problems” have been my worst days, and days at my volunteer job or spent doing things like calling an elderly friend I knew in NYC who is ill, or an old high school friend who has been having some difficulty, turn out to be the good days. Why is that surprising to me? I should know better.
Also, I had read in one of my Lenten reflection books to fast from complaining and criticizing…that is a good one for me!
God bless you and thanks for writing this blog,
Stephanie
Thanks for your kind words. Lent is a great time for all of us to erase the board and start over with a clean slate. May we have the strength and will to do this everyday. May God bless you.
Stephanie you brought up a very good suggestion and that was fasting from complaining. I’m so guilty of looking at the speck in someone else’s eyes and not seeing the log in my own. And…having the nerve to complain about those with the speck. It’s the sin of pride and I need to confess that and work on it. We are all in the same boat; it’s just that some know where to find the oars…. Peace and Love to you. Or, in the words of St Francis of Assisi, Pax et Bonum.
I find it more difficult to fast from complaining and criticizing than giving up sweets for Lent. I make a conscious decision to not have dessert, and that’s that, but sometimes I find myself already in the middle of complaining or saying something critical before I realize I am doing it! And when I realize it, it’s very humbling. There are times I really need to stop and think before I speak.
God bless you!