*We Commit Mortal Sins Through Our Social Media Activity.* *_Reflection: The Digital Age and the Death of Modesty, Chastity, Charity, and Truth._* In this modern world, our interaction with social media has become a double-edged sword. While it can be used to spread the Gospel, uplift souls, and share truth, it has also become one of the easiest and most common ways we fall into serious sin. Many today are unaware that what we post, share, comment on, or even ‘like’ on social media may be damaging to our soul. The internet never forgets — and neither does God. How We Sin Online: A Wake-Up Call for the Soul 1. Posting Immodest Photos and Online Prostitution – Causing Others to Sin - Flaunting our bodies in revealing clothes or seductive poses causes others to fall into lust, a deadly sin. - “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28 - St. John Chrysostom: “You carry your snare everywhere and spread your nets in all places. You allege that you never invited others to sin. You did not indeed by your words, but you have done so by your dress and your deportment.” In this digital age, some parents tragically lead their children into the darkness of online prostitution, exposing them to predators and exchanging innocence for gain. "Young male and female teens are involved in sharing their sexual videos on platforms like X, Threads, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger in exchange for money. Some also participate in the 'hookup' culture, meeting others for sexual activities, contributing to rise in HIV cases in the Philippines." As St. John Chrysostom warned, It is not only fornication but also the encouragement of it that condemns the soul. St. Padre Pio reminds us, The world is rapidly heading to ruin, because it no longer knows how to love in purity.”* Let us protect our youth and restore the dignity of every soul through truth, prayer, and moral courage. 2. Sharing and Watching Pornographic or Sexual Content - Many now share explicit materials in group chats or indulge in watching porn, sharing sexual scandals of other people, often even among Catholics. - These are grave sins of the flesh, violating the Sixth and Ninth Commandments. - “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” – Ecclesiastes 12:14 3. Creating Group Chats for Gossip, Slander, and Detraction - We are quick to talk about others’ faults, even if it’s true (detraction), or sometimes lie (calumny). - “Do not go about spreading slander among your people.” – Leviticus 19:16 - St. Philip Neri: “Detraction is the murder of the reputation of our neighbor.” 4. ‘Patama’ or Cryptic Posts Aimed at Hurting Others - These posts are not innocent. They are passive-aggressive attacks that stem from pride, envy, or unforgiveness. - They may lead others to feel shame, guilt, anger, or even despair. - “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31 5. Trolling, Bashing, and Cyberlibel - We write offensive comments, share false rumors, or ruin someone’s name publicly. - These are sins of pride and wrath, and may even be crimes under civil law. - St. Josemaria Escriva: “Don’t be so foolish as to think that what you write or say — no matter how witty or cutting — is harmless. Words can kill.” 6. Online Fraud, Scams, and Family Feuds - Scamming people online, humiliating debtors publicly, or fighting with relatives through social media destroys trust, peace, and unity. - “You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:15-16 7. Copying someone’s work without giving credit to the original writer, and sharing heretical and non-Catholic teachings through quotes from non-Catholics—even if they appear inspirational—is unacceptable. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty and theft, directly violating the moral law and the virtue of justice. When someone copies and pastes an article or reflection without proper attribution, they not only rob the author of due credit but also mislead readers by presenting borrowed content as their own. Additionally, sharing quotes or teachings from individuals outside the Catholic faith—especially those that contradict Church doctrine—can mislead others, even if the quotes sound appealing or virtuous. It is essential to be discerning and faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church when evangelizing, always upholding the truth in love. Catholics are called to be vigilant, ensuring that the materials they share support sound doctrine and do not promote confusion or error among the faithful. As St. Thomas Aquinas teaches, "It is better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate."* This means we are responsible for delivering truth—not just eloquence. St. Irenaeus also reminds us, "Where the Church is, there is the Spirit of God; and where the Spirit of God is, there is the Church and all grace." Therefore, one must always speak and share from the heart of the Church. "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ." — Colossians 2:8 Let us remain faithful to Christ and His Church, giving honor where honor is due and guarding our hearts and minds against anything that may appear good but is rooted in error. ❤️‍🔥 How Catholics Should Use Social Media Wisely Social media must never replace our conscience. Here’s how we can use these platforms in a holy way: - Evangelize, Not Scandalize. - Share the Word of God, the lives of the Saints, and reflections that uplift souls. - Promote the Holy Rosary & the Sacraments. - Encourage others to return to Confession, receive Holy Communion worthily, and receive Baptism and Matrimony. - Silence the Noise – Grow in Adversity Quotient (AQ) & Emotional Intelligence (EQ). - AQ helps us remain calm when criticized or hurt online. - EQ helps us not react emotionally, but with wisdom and mercy. - Avoid Reacting to Patama or Gossip Posts. - Take it to prayer. Forgive. Respond with silence or charity. - “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21 - Practice Digital Modesty. - Dress, speak, and behave online as if Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were your followers. Final Reflection: Social media can be a ladder to heaven or a trap to hell. Each scroll, each post, each share is a choice. Let us not exchange our eternity for likes, views, or a moment of attention. Let us cleanse our online life through Confession and renew our purpose — to bring glory to God in all things. 🕊️ “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do — do all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 🙏 May our timelines reflect heaven’s light, not hell’s flames. Catholic Tradition & Evangelization BimbyMacbs