Curated Behavior

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27; Psalm 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11; Luke 16:9-15

Summary

Curated behavior (modern version is the Curated Self) is the realm of building and maintaining a persona that could be true (starting as authentic) or be wonderfully aspirational or, conversely, completely fictional. When a curated behavior edges toward the fictional, authenticity is lost and the person can find him or herself trapped in a persona one must amplify and protect. This phenomenon is often paired with psychological projection – casting one’s own weakness/mistakes upon another as if they are what you describe in reality of the self.

Jesus often speaks to these types of errors specifically named types: hypocrisy, self-interest (as ‘yourself’ +/-) and self-justification.

In today’s gospel portion, Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings (Lk 16:9). We are called to master ourselves in the basics of how we deal with one another – a big part of which is about resources and wealth. Money is a classic example of an object revealing the true self. Yet, the curated self in culture has elevated possession of wealth as a proxy for virtue and the evidence of the favor of God. It is an ancient problem. It is a current, real world problem.

Praying Today

Today I am at the Chapel of Holy Innocents praying for women in crisis and for their babies. In 2025, I have served the Mass and Exposition/Benediction six times. Each time I do so with hopeful expectations and a singular intent: conversion – for all of us. I come in sincerity and, God willing, without the bile of self-interest. We should always be aware of the temptation to miss the mark, in this case, self-justification. How easy is it to fall into the mistakes that Jesus himself derides us for engaging in?

And he said to them, “You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God (Lk 16:15).

Reflection

In this convergence of ministry, self, and the needs of others, I try very hard to keep grounded here in this Chapel. Those in crisis suffer. Unexpected pregnancy, disaffected relationships, squalid living conditions, and complicated medical conditions. And in some cases, curated behavior – false expectations of what life should be like and seizing a lifestyle not given to you.

Personal Reflection

My personal weaknesses, flaws and churlish habits (the big one) ways have no part here. Here or anywhere. But let us at least start with honesty: make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth. Now you understand the word play? Jesus speaks at the plain level of honesty in the ordinary. Jesus is also saying, what is the wealth you protect and use as a tool or as a weapon?

The wealth Jesus speaks of is the wealth of our dishonesty. The depth and breadth of dishonesty. Our curated self. Our curated behavior. It is essential we resist our weakest impulses: You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God (Lk 16:15).

Take Heart!

Now to him who can strengthen you, according to my Gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen (Rom 16:22-27).

Reading Links

Reference: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/202302/the-curated-self
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110825.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry