(For the audio version of this blog, please visit: https://brothersinchristcmf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Mass-Blog-for-the-Feast-of-the-Presentation-2025.mp3)
What’s the difference between doing whatever it takes not to die, vs. doing whatever it takes to live?
The first goal is driven by fear. The second by lack of it.
In this age of social media, death has become relational—fear of social death via isolation from others. In other words, Fear Of Missing Out on what others have or do. We’ve met the enemy and it is FOMO.
FOMO fear is driven by slavery to serving ourselves. Social media kindles it, but it is ancient—dating back to the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who taught, “Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” BEFORE you die, do whatever you can NOT to miss out on whatever makes you happy.
Paul quoted this sad philosophy while teaching the Corinthians about finding eternal happiness by imitating how Christ rose from death. Through the Corinthians he asks us the question he must have asked himself whenever times got tough:
“If at Ephesus I fought with beasts, so to speak, what benefit was it to me? If the dead are not raised: “’Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.’” (1Corinthians 15:32)
FOMO blinds us to the fact that service to others is the real self-service—the self that is in Christ. The self that is in God. Paul also taught that our God became flesh so we who are flesh wouldn’t miss out on recognizing the divinity within us called empathy.
“Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” (Hebrews 2:14-18)
Through the miraculous Presentation of Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us empathize with Simeon, who was inspired to recognize Jesus in our Savior’s very first stage of life. And when he did, his own FOMO was vanquished.
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation.” (Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32)
Simeon’s fear of missing out on the guarantee of humanity’s future was vanquished because he witnessed the meaning of God’s incarnation. His cure for FOMO is now prescribed by 21st Century clinical psychologists—although they may not recognize its Divine source as Simeon did. Instead of being afraid to miss out on what others are enjoying before you die, they suggest, take joy in their joy—and help them amplify it.
“Try not to be jealous and instead, be grateful that your friends have people who care about them, and know that the same is true for you,” encourages clinical health psychologist Amy Sullivan, PsyD, of the Cleveland Clinic.
Whether she knows it or not, Dr. Sullivan has revealed the core of Christian courage:
“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Mat 16:25)
Losing one’s life for Christ’s sake doesn’t have to mean death. It could mean trading fear of missing out on life for the joy of discovering Christ living among us.
–Tom Andel
What’s the difference between doing whatever it takes not to die, vs. doing whatever it takes to live?
I find this comment extremely meaningful. We all have a tendency to be all consumed by our personal situation, especially our physical health and how that correlates to the undetermined length of the runway of our life. If we personally or have a loved one facing a serious or perhaps terminal illness, it puts a whole different perspective on our outlook and our life.
Of course we all understand that the reality of our mortality is certain. The body is finite, the soul is infinite. Therefore, focus on our eternal health should be the priority which of course takes a giant leap of FAITH!
As Zig Ziglar the well know motivational speaker in the 70’s and 80’s used to frequently say, “Ya got to make the main thing, the main thing!”
Your family’s extensive life-support network has always neighbored my family’s. We’ve never felt alone on this mortal coil. That’s how God lives in us and fear dies.
I love this article (much like all of your articles!)! Great perspective in a world that’s always chasing the invisible FOMO next thing and wondering why they aren’t satisfied. Chase God and always be satisfied <3 & never miss out. – Rachel
God doesn’t play hard to get. We make it that way. Thanks for your insight, Rachel.