Seeking God’s Love: Navigating the Temptation of Social Acceptance

In a world where social acceptance often feels like a measure of our worth, many of us grapple with the desire to be loved and accepted by others. This struggle is deeply rooted in our humanity—a longing for connection that can sometimes distract us from the unconditional love that God offers.

The Illusion of Social Acceptance

Social acceptance can easily become a substitute for the deeper, more fulfilling love that only God can provide. As St. Augustine famously stated, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” This restlessness often manifests as a yearning for validation from others, leading us to believe that achieving a certain status or appearance will finally bring us happiness.

Have you ever thought that fitting in would solve your problems? Perhaps you’ve adjusted your personality or beliefs to gain approval, creating a cycle of insecurity that leaves you feeling unworthy.

Struggling with Acceptance

Many of us face the challenge of wanting to be seen and loved by others while recognizing that true fulfillment comes from God. The saints remind us that our worth is not defined by the opinions of others but by our identity as beloved daughters of God. St. Teresa of Avila beautifully articulated this truth: “Prayer is an act of love.” It is through prayer and deepening our relationship with God that we find the acceptance and love we seek.

Relationship: Gift vs. Grasp

We are inherently relational beings, created for connection. However, there’s a significant difference between receiving relationships as gifts and grasping for them. When we seek approval through performance or appearance, we risk losing our true selves. Instead, cultivating relationships rooted in authenticity and grounded in God’s love leads to genuine joy and fulfillment.

Honoring Our Dignity

A powerful way to symbolize our commitment to God over societal approval is through the practice of covering our heads at Mass and during prayer. This act serves as a beautiful reminder of our dignity in God’s eyes. As 1 Corinthians 11:15 states, “But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory; for her hair is given to her as a covering.” By covering our heads, we acknowledge the sacredness of our identity as daughters of God and our connection to Him.

Recovering the Sacred

When we approach the Eucharistic Presence of Jesus, we encounter the ultimate expression of God’s self-giving and self-sacrificing love. The Eucharist is not just a ritual; it is a profound invitation to participate in the divine love that transforms our hearts. In receiving the Eucharist, we enter into a deep communion with Christ and the entire communion of saints—those holy women and men who have walked this path of faith before us.

Our Blessed Mother, as the ultimate model of faith, humility, and receptivity to the Holy Spirit, beckons us to deepen our connection with God as we seek to reflect God’s love in their lives.

By embracing the gift of the Eucharist, we not only strengthen our bond with God but also with one another, fostering a community grounded in the selfless love that Christ exemplified.

Prioritizing Our Relationship with God

Have we made our relationship with God the cornerstone of our lives? Saint John of the Cross teaches that embracing God’s love diminishes our need for worldly validation. This doesn’t mean we abandon our relationships; rather, it transforms them into reflections of God’s love.

What specific resolutions can you make to grow closer to God? Daily prayer and penance come to mind. Might God be calling you to wear a veil, too?