I watched a video this past week from a young ex-porn star bragging about how she’s already been divorced at least two times, possibly three. It was unclear whether the third engagement ended before or after marriage.

She went on to give marriage “advice,” telling women to dump their man if he isn’t giving them everything they want. It’s always interesting to see the arrogance of someone giving advice about a topic they don’t know how to live out well or even at all.

We live now in a culture where we are told we must affirm any idea people believe about themselves, even if it flys in the face of common sense and reality.

It’s highly rude to tell people that they aren’t perfect in every possible way. You can’t encourage health, intact nuclear families, hard work, or s€xual virtue. To do so lands you a phobic label of some kind.

What we have going on here is the worship of the self. A tale as old as time, really. With all this social and institutional encouragement of hyper self-obsession, do we find happier people, as promised?

No. In fact, we see nothing of the kind.

Jesus told us, “Whoever loves his life loses it.” Meaning, if you live a life focused solely on yourself, you will lose all chance at joy, fulfillment, and purposeful meaning. Hollow and shallow are the two words that come to mind.

Christ goes on and says, “And whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” Meaning, you must focus on others and empty yourself out for them in order to be truly fulfilled. Stop making yourself the center of the universe.

I have never met a joyful selfish person in my life, Catholic Pilgrims, and I know I never will. You haven’t met one either. As John the Baptist said, “We must decrease, so Christ can increase in us.” That’s where true joy is found.

Have a blessed Thursday.