Be a Pillar
Transforming from Platform to Pillar in the New Evangelization
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern media and communication, it's easy to get caught up in the allure of being a "platform" - a social media influencer or content creator who seeks to build a following and elevate their own profile. However, as Christians called to the New Evangelization, we are challenged to consider a higher calling: to be "pillars" that support and uplift others, directing them to the true source of all life and salvation, Jesus Christ.
Let us explore the profound distinction between platforms and pillars, drawing inspiration from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul - two towering figures of the early Church. Through their example, we'll uncover three key ways we can transition from being mere platforms to becoming pillars that strengthen the Body of Christ and advance the Kingdom of God.
The Difference Between Platforms and Pillars
The modern social media landscape is often dominated by "platforms" - individuals who use various online channels to draw attention to themselves, chasing after "clickbait, views, likes, and shares" in an effort to build their own personal brand and online profile.
In contrast, true pillars of the Church, like Saints Peter and Paul, are driven not by a desire for self-promotion, but by a burning passion to bring others to a deep, personal encounter with Jesus Christ. A pillar is a faithful follower of Jesus who brings others to Jesus rather than to oneself, using social media to introduce others to the Lord, leading them to make their own personal decision to welcome the Holy Spirit into their lives.
This distinction is crucial, as it speaks to the very heart of our Christian calling. We are not meant to be platforms that draw attention to ourselves, but rather pillars that point the way to the true source of life and salvation - Jesus Christ.
Lessons from the Lives of Saints Peter and Paul
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, celebrated on June 29th each year, provides a powerful opportunity to reflect on the lives of these two towering figures of the early Church. Both Peter and Paul were pillars of the early church, supporting her and allowing her to be built up.
In the Gospel reading for this feast day, we hear Jesus' pivotal question to his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15). This question lies at the heart of the Christian faith, and it was the foundation upon which Saints Peter and Paul built their lives and ministries.
Peter and Paul were both pillars of the early church supporting her and allowing her to be built up because they had a deep, personal encounter with Jesus Christ and were able to proclaim with conviction, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).
In contrast, the "platforms" of their time, such as Caesarea Philippi, were "more interested in being platforms than in being pillars" - they were more concerned with elevating their own power and influence than with leading others to the true source of life and salvation.
Three Keys to Becoming a Pillar
Drawing inspiration from the lives of Saints Peter and Paul, here are three key ways we can transition from being mere platforms to becoming pillars that support and uplift the Body of Christ:
Grow Up
As St. Paul reminds us, "when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways" (1 Corinthians 13:11). This means moving beyond self-centred, immature behaviours and embracing a mature, selfless faith.
It's easy to get caught up in the allure of social media and the desire for attention, likes, and shares. But as pillars of the Church, we are called to "act our age, not our shoe size" - to grow in wisdom, humility, and a deep, abiding relationship with Christ.
This process of spiritual maturation is essential if we are to become the kind of pillars that can support and strengthen the Church in the face of the challenges of our time.
Embrace the Mission
Being a pillar means embracing the identity, role, and mission that God has entrusted to us as part of the New Evangelization. It means being "magnanimous" - large-hearted and generous - rather than "pusillanimous" - small-hearted and self-focused.
Am I raising others up or am I tearing them down? Am I truly evangelizing, that is, sharing the good news of the gospel in such a way as to encourage someone to make their own yes to the Lord, to surrender themselves to the Lord, as we have done and desire to do every day?
Pillars are not concerned with building their own platforms or personal brands, but with leading others to a deep, personal encounter with Jesus Christ and empowering them to become pillars themselves.
Embrace Redemptive Suffering
The vestment colour for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is red, symbolizing the martyrdom that both of these great apostles endured for the sake of the Gospel.
Peter was arrested, he was imprisoned, he was sleeping between two soldiers bound with two chains. But he was miraculously set free. Similarly, St. Paul writes, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).
Pillars are willing to embrace the cross and the suffering that comes with following Christ, knowing that it is through this redemptive suffering that the Church is strengthened and renewed. They do not shy away from the challenges and persecutions that come with being a faithful witness to the Gospel.
Becoming Pillars in the New Evangelization
As we reflect on the lives of Saints Peter and Paul, we are challenged to consider our own role in the New Evangelization. Are we content to be mere "platforms," seeking attention and acclaim for ourselves, or are we willing to become "pillars" that support and uplift the Body of Christ?
Will I let Jesus use me as a pillar to renew His Church?
How will I let Him do that?
These questions call us to a deeper level of surrender and commitment, as we seek to align our lives with the mission of the Church and the will of God. It's a call to move beyond self-promotion and to embrace the selfless, sacrificial love that characterized the lives of Saints Peter and Paul.
As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of modern media and communication, let us be inspired by the example of these great pillars of the Church. Let us use the tools of our time, such as social media and podcasting, not to build our own platforms, but to introduce others to the transformative power of the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ.
By embracing the call to be pillars, we can become powerful agents of the New Evangelization, strengthening the Church and leading others to the true source of life and salvation.
May we all be inspired to become pillars that support and strengthen the Church, leading others to a deep, personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Let us be the change we wish to see in the world, and may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.