The preacher of the papal household said Christians should resist the temptation to be swayed by applause, popularity or approval, and instead ground their lives firmly in Christ. Source: OSV News.
“Today the world lives on notifications, likes, approvals and recognition,” Capuchin Fr Roberto Pasolini told cardinals and senior officials of the Roman Curia in a Lenten meditation on Friday.
“Jesus seems totally detached from this type of recognition, too quick and superficial.”
Citing Gospel accounts of Jesus’ public ministry, Fr Pasolini explained how Jesus repeatedly resisted the pull of popularity, opting instead to guide others toward a deeper, freer relationship with God.
One such moment, he said, is found in St John’s Gospel, when many people are drawn to Jesus after witnessing his miraculous signs.
Rather than embrace their enthusiasm, Jesus holds back — unwilling to entrust himself to them because he understands the complexities and contradictions of the human heart.
“That reaction of Jesus is rather disconcerting,” Fr Pasolini said. “We are all very pleased when someone appreciates us or applauds our way of acting and doing, it even seduces us.”
Yet Jesus’ response is not a rejection of others, but rather an invitation to a more authentic response to his ministry.
Jesus, the Capuchin said, “rejects a style of humanity, and even of messianism, that seeks to respond to people’s needs in a way that risks taking control of their lives or fostering forms of dependence.”
Rather than seize on popularity, Jesus repeatedly chooses solitude, silence or retreat, modelling a kind of freedom rooted not in affirmation but in fidelity to God the Father.
This freedom, Fr Pasolini said, must characterise Christian life as well, particularly among those who lead and serve.
Anchoring one’s identity in Christ, rather than in approval or accomplishment, makes space for more honest relationships and a deeper openness to grace.
“To remain anchored in him we must welcome the dynamism of his life within our life,” he said. “This is living our baptism.”
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Papal preacher: Measure your life by Christ, not social media likes (By Justin McLellan, OSV News)
