Overcoming the Desire for Praise and Validation
Today we contemplate the gift of holy awe, learning how to shatter the fragile, superficial prison of social validation and conceit. Join our prayer community for this eighteenth weekly meditation inspired by St. Hildegard of Bingen to cultivate a deep, life-giving fear of God, cast off the deceptive illusions of vainglory, and discover the true freedom that comes from anchoring your identity solely in the majestic presence of the Almighty in this Part 3, Week 18 meditation.
Opening Prayer
Lord, help me overcome the sin of vainglory. I humbly ask for the grace to have a healthy fear of offending God. I ask to be open to your grace. Jesus, you know that I sometimes struggle with vanity, which is a seed that leads to the deadly sin of pride. Help me realize the emptiness of earthly glory and instead keep my heart focused on heavenly glory so that I might have a humble and contrite heart.
All the glory that I may receive from others is empty and transient. I know I shouldn’t desire it or seek it. What good is the praise of man if it is for works that go against your will and the natural law? I know nothing in my life is a product of my own glory. Everything I have comes from you. I have no reason to boast about anything given to me or any good deed I do. It is evil to allow vainglory to grow within me. Vanity is a deception and it denies the reality that I owe everything I have to you. I owe you gratitude and praise for my talents, my natural endowments, the opportunities I have been given, and even my successes.
It is only by the grace of God that my natural endowments are cultivated. Lord, please offer me the grace I need to overcome the sin of vainglory. Please grant me the virtue of fear of God so that I will produce good fruit for your glory. Do not let me boast or allow myself to take pleasure in the empty praise of others regarding my natural talents and abilities. Let me work to please you instead of human admirers; help me do everything for you with a healthy fear of God.
You are the true source of all good things in my life and your grace is necessary to purify my heart and make me a saint. I praise you and I thank you for every natural talent and every good gift I have been given. I humbly ask for the grace to overcome the sin of vainglory. Please cultivate in me a deep desire to please you in my thoughts, words, and deeds.
AMEN.
“The end does not justify the means. Thus the condemnation of an innocent person cannot be justified as a legitimate means of saving the nation. On the other hand, an added bad intention (such as vainglory) makes an act evil that, in and of itself, can be good (such as almsgiving).”
Catechism, 1753
Words of the Gospel On this Subject
(Vainglory and Fear of God)
by St. Hildegard of Bingen
The Lord says in the Gospel: “When you are invited to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the first place, lest a more honorable man than you be invited by him, and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give this man place.’ And then you begin with shame to take the last place.” (Luke 14:8-9)
…When for love of God you free your body from earthly affairs, you will grow as a beautiful flower, blossoming and never withering in the heavenly Jerusalem with the Son of God, in Whom are all ornaments for souls; for the old person produces all human abominations, but the new builds all the holiness of virtue. So when you have come to such holiness, blush to imitate the ancient serpent, who cast himself out of the place of beatitude because he was hungry for vainglory.
What does this mean? If you see anyone better adorned than you, do not in eagerness of mind ascend above him, saying, “I want to be above him or like him!” If you exalt yourself so, are you a faithful servant, since you are provoking the Lord to anger by opposing yourself to Him? But if you see that someone has stronger resources than you, and out of envy disparage him, you are not walking in the plain road but going by trackless ways.
So be eager to serve God in humility and do not give yourself up madly to pride; and do not exalt yourself in vain pretense over one who, if assessed justly, shines with a greater desire of eternal life than you burn with yourself, and who for his heavenly ardor is invited to the height of blessedness by Him Who loves all lovers of truth. For if you do, He Who by His inspiration summoned you to the service of humility and the other to the gift of charity may come with the eye of knowledge and judge you with His righteous judgment, saying:
“You lifted yourself up in eager pride to a place for which you are not fit; leave your vainglory and submit in duty, and give this beloved one of mine the place of honor you so rashly seized!”
And what will become of you then?
St. Hildegard of Bingen, Scivias, Book 2, Vision 5, Chapter 31 (Trans. Hart/Bishop, Abridged)
St. Hildegard gives Empty Glory her own voice too, in Liber Vitae Meritorum itself. She says:
“I search for all causes carefully and I am a witness for myself because I understand such things in my righteousness. How then could it be proper that I desert the honesty of what I see and know? For I am confident in my ability to fly through villages and streets just like the birds that live in the forest and sing whatever they wish… for I am like a lyre with wings, a guardian with beasts, and a wise one with men…If I do not seek, I will not come upon anything; if I do not search, nothing will be given to me because I will not have the prosperity unless I acquire it through my own wisdom and righteousness.”
Liber Vitae Meritorum, Part 3, Section 7, Para. 10, trans. Hozeski
And Fear of the Lord answers her directly:
“Although you do not fear anything but grab each and every thing greedily, you are the worst emptiness of the worst idol. What can man do without the grace of God? Nothing. For when a man turns the wheel of his knowledge toward vanity, God attacks him; when, however, he lights himself up to the good, God helps him. You, however, plot all the things you do, but when you begin to do them, your head is fastened down backwards and your feet are lifted upwards into the air by the judgment of God. You also blush at the water of baptism and do not seek the medicine of God, but you wash yourself with all the evils of fleeting vanity and do not desire to have anything that is alive. I, however, have the honor of God because I see each and every sin just as it is.”
Liber Vitae Meritorum, Part 3, Section 8, Para. 11, trans. Hozeski
From Pride Through Envy to Empty Glory: The Chain Continues
St. Hildegard traces this vice back two full steps, not just one. Envy, she tells us:
“accompanies pride since it is the work of pride and the fire of all evil things, for when men are proud, they envy the accomplishments of others and stir up evil.”
Liber Vitae Meritorum, Part 3, Section 35, Para. 43, trans. Hozeski
And Empty Glory:
“follows envy as a companion, since the disruption of strange things brings about change, for when men envy the accomplishments of others, they desire glory for themselves.”
Liber Vitae Meritorum, Part 3, Section 37, Para. 46, trans. Hozeski
Follow the thread all the way through: pride exalts itself; that exaltation curdles into envy the moment someone else seems to have what pride wants; and envy, unable to bear watching someone else being admired, finally decides the simplest fix is to become the one admired instead. Vainglory isn’t a separate sin arriving out of nowhere—it’s pride’s oldest wish, achieved by a longer and more exhausting road.
A Note on Empty Glory: Real Greenness, Wrong Purpose
Notice that Empty Glory isn’t lying when she claims to hold something green and alive—she is. In her own vision, she carries a living branch and fresh flowers, gazing at them “with great care.” That’s real viriditas in her hands. Her failure isn’t counterfeiting life the way some vices do; it’s holding real life and turning it toward herself instead of God. Even her cap, woven from an onion top, is “green and useful now”—but an onion stalk, cut from its root, only has so long before it dries. Fear of the Lord answers with the deeper version of the same image: she will eat from the Tree of Life itself—not a cut branch, but a tree still rooted, still bearing fruit, because “God will never lack good work in man.” One holds borrowed greenness for display. The other eats from a tree that never stops growing.
Reflection:
Vainglory is a sin of the heart and is offensive to God.
Do you secretly want to be praised for your natural talents, endowments, intelligence, creativity, strength, physical abilities, or influence on others? Do you strive to be seen and acknowledged by others for the good that you do? Do you feel you need validation from others to have self-esteem? When you are not acknowledged, do you secretly have bad feelings?
The Sin of Vainglory is A Hidden Vice
Vainglory is a hidden sin because it hides a secret intention that is masked by a good deed. You perform a good deed for the impression it makes on another person, and not for the glory of God alone. Your intention is connected to your pride and not to humility and obedience to God. Your focus is on impressing man and not on serving God. You want to be elevated above others and you may even offer self-praise and elevate yourself in a given situation.
Every one of us fails in our relationships with others. This is natural because we are human, and the sin of vainglory is one that we all struggle with. Vainglory is a part of our fallen natures. We strive to be like Jesus, who is perfect in all virtues, but we often fail. Fortunately, God is merciful. Sometimes our sin is hidden, and in the case of the sin of vainglory, it can be attached to our good works, turning our good deeds into evil interior intentions that offend God.
Having a Healthy Fear of Offending God
To overcome the need to have the approval of others we have to shift our focus from the things of this earth to the things of heaven. When we allow ourselves to see with God’s eyes and let go of the need for praise, we can do his will without worrying about the opinions of others. We no longer need their praise and admiration. Likewise, when we know we are doing God’s will, we are also immune to their criticism. The virtue of fear of God also helps us overcome envy, too. We no longer have a resentment toward others who succeed where we have failed, or who are honored above us by others. When our brothers and sisters succeed for Christ we are happy to see it and give glory to God for their good works.
Courage to do the Right Thing No Matter What
Do you fear disappointing God? A proper fear of God has to do with wanting to please God above all things. This virtue is cultivated through prayer and having a desire to be in an intimate relationship with the Lord. When we grow in our love of God we also grow in our desire to please Him. This is what fear of God stems from. It is a healthy desire to avoid offending God whom you should love with all your heart. The humble soul is in daily communication with God. He is constantly asking for the Lord’s guidance in all things. He seeks the wisdom of God for all his actions so that God may be glorified through his good deeds.
What does this look like?
Are you willing to take courage and do the right thing for the sake of God’s will and according to natural law, or do you find yourself putting your head down and continuing a path you know is wrong for the sake of those in authority above you, whom you strive to receive honor and praise from? This is another form of vainglory because it lacks a healthy love for God and a desire to please him above all things.
The Church teaches us that the path of vainglory is empty and leads us toward hell because it keeps us focused on the things of this world. The world is passing away. As Christians, we must look to God and focus on eternal things. When we have a healthy fear of God and we do good works for his sake, we no longer make decisions based on what others may think but for the glory of God. And this is where the power of the Holy Spirit can do the most good because we are able to receive the grace God wants to give and act according to his will in any given situation. When we can overcome the sin of vainglory we can become meek and humble of heart, with a healthy fear of offending God. God gives us more grace when we are surrendered to his will and have no attachments to the things of this world.
Going Further:
Now that we have prayed for and meditated on the sin of vainglory, you may want to go further by reading the first chapter of Ecclesiastes. Prayerfully ponder the words of King Solomon and reflect on them. You may want to reread them and journal about a word or phrase that sticks out to you:
Vanity of Human Toil
“Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! What profit have we from all the toil which we toil at under the sun?
One generation departs and another generation comes, but the world forever stays. The sun rises and the sun sets; then it presses on to the place where it rises. Shifting south, then north, back and forth shifts the wind, constantly shifting its course. All rivers flow to the sea, yet never does the sea become full. To the place where they flow, the rivers continue to flow.
All things are wearisome, too wearisome for words. The eye is not satisfied by seeing nor has the ear enough of hearing. What has been, that will be; what has been done, that will be done. Nothing is new under the sun! Even the thing of which we say, ‘See, this is new!’ has already existed in the ages that preceded us. There is no remembrance of past generations; nor will future generations be remembered by those who come after them.”
Ecclesiastes 1
Quieting the Craving for Human Validation
Take a moment to pause, drop your public persona, and settle into the absolute stillness of this chapel. Vainglory is a uniquely sneaky, hidden vice—a quiet rebellion of pride that masks itself behind our good deeds. When we perform holy actions, share our talents, or serve others primarily for the impression it makes on human onlookers, we turn our good works into empty interior deceptions that offend God. Before we open the Word of God, let us offer up a sincere prayer of petition—asking for the spiritual freedom to break our dependency on social praise, look past the passing opinions of the world, and anchor our identity solely in the majestic presence of the Almighty.
Prayer for Holy Awe and Purity of Intention
We are too weak to conquer the devil by our own power, and we desperately need the purifying fire of Your grace. Eternal Father, You see into the secret layout of my heart, and You know exactly how much I crave the approval and admiration of others. I confess that I have often fallen into the trap of vainglory—secretly wanting to be elevated for my natural talents, my intelligence, and my achievements, while forgetting that everything I have comes entirely from You. Forgive me for the times I have allowed vanity to poison my intentions, blowing a trumpet before my good deeds to win human validation while leaving my soul cold and empty.
Lord Jesus, grant me the supernatural virtue of a healthy fear of offending God. Infuse my soul with a profound sense of holy awe, so that my single, burning desire becomes pleasing You above all things. When I am tempted to perform for human admirers, boast about my successes, or feel resentful when I am not acknowledged this week, catch my thoughts and quiet my ego. Give me the courage to do what is right according to Your law, completely immune to both worldly flattery and worldly criticism. Purify my heart, make me meek and humble, and grant that all my hidden thoughts, words, and actions may be done purely for Your honor and the glory of Your eternal Kingdom.
AMEN.
Take a slow, deep breath. Quiet your mind, let go of your daily checklist, and close the door on the loud world outside. As you prepare to listen to Jesus speak in this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, remember that Christ looks completely past our outward behavior and peers directly into our hidden motives.
Do not rush through these verses. Read the words slowly and let the absolute clarity of Christ’s instructions sink into your soul. Notice how He specifically warns us against performing righteous deeds just to be seen by others, telling us that the hypocrites who blow trumpets in the streets have already received their fleeting reward in full. Look at the beauty of His remedy: going into your inner room, closing the door, and offering your prayer and almsgiving in absolute secrecy. Ask Jesus to reveal where you are still performing for human eyes, and where He is calling you to surrender your attachment to validation so that the Father who sees in secret can repay you. When you are ready, pick up your pen and write His promptings directly into your prayer journal.
Jesus Teaches us to Avoid the Sin of Vainglory
from the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6
[Jesus said] “But take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Let us Pray:
Eternal Father, I humbly ask for the grace to overcome my need for human praise and the secret desire of my heart to be glorified by men for the good deeds that I do. Help me remember the words of Solomon and the advice of Jesus. Please help me develop a healthy fear of God so that all my thoughts, words, and deeds are done for your glory and with a pure heart. I do not want to be a hypocrite. I long to have a deep intimate relationship with you. Please convict my heart when I sin against you with the vice of vainglory and offer me the grace I need to repent and turn toward humility of heart. I ask all this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN.
A Prayer for an Increase in Virtue for Others
Lord Jesus Christ, you say that when two or more are gathered in your name, you are with us. Jesus, in your name I lift up every person who has joined this prayer challenge or will join it in the future. I ask you to give us all the grace we need to grow in virtue and holiness so that we may love and serve you in our lives and through the people we love and care for. Help us in our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Guide us all by your Holy Spirit and give us the strength to overcome every temptation from the evil one. We ask all this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN.
Hidden Glory: Your Week 18 Send-Off
Thank you for committing to Week 18 and for your incredible dedication throughout this entire virtue meditation journey. Confronting the sin of vainglory—shattering the urge to chase human validation and choosing a pure heart of holy awe—takes profound interior maturity, and Jesus sees every single hidden effort you make to redirect the glory to Him. When you inevitably feel the craving for approval flare up, catch yourself performing for an audience, or feel a sting of resentment when your good deeds go unnoticed this week, do not let discouragement take root. Overcoming vanity is a slow, daily process of purifying your intentions, not an overnight shift. Be gentle with yourself, take immediate accountability when you slip back into self-praise, and run to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to let His grace reset your heart.
As you walk out of this chapel and step back into a superficial, hyper-visible world that constantly screams at you to broadcast your achievements, remember that true fear of offending God isn’t a rigid, fearful prison; it is an act of ultimate spiritual power that makes you completely immune to both worldly flattery and worldly criticism. You are called to actively govern your hidden motives, close the door on the opinions of the crowd, and live entirely for the honor of your Heavenly Father out there in the real world. To see exactly how our very first moral obligation requires us to nourish, protect, and bear witness to our faith with absolute prudence—completely rejecting voluntary doubt, incredulity, and everything that opposes His revealed truth—look at this passage in the Catechism:
Our moral life has its source in faith in God who reveals his love to us. St. Paul speaks of the obedience of faith as our first obligation. He shows that ignorance of God is the principle and explanation of all moral deviations. Our duty toward God is to believe in him and to bear witness to him.
The first commandment requires us to nourish and protect our faith with prudence and vigilance, and to reject everything that is opposed to it. There are various ways of sinning against faith:
Voluntary doubt about the faith disregards or refuses to hold as true what God has revealed and the Church proposes for belief. Involuntary doubt refers to hesitation in believing, difficulty in overcoming objections connected with the faith, or also anxiety aroused by its obscurity. If deliberately cultivated doubt can lead to spiritual blindness.
Incredulity is the neglect of revealed truth or the willful refusal to assent to it. Heresy is the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; apostasy is the total repudiation of the Christian faith; schism is the refusal of submission to the Roman Pontiff or of communion with the members of the Church subject to him.
Catechism, 2087-2089
Make a Resolution
Take a moment to reflect on the virtue of fear of God. What are the ways you can freely practice this virtue this week? Ask the Lord to give you opportunities, and when you feel the Holy Spirit prompting you, take action. Write down your resolutions for this coming week in your prayer journal. Remind yourself to complete these resolutions daily for this entire week, and as the Spirit prompts you, feel free to write about your experiences with this virtue throughout the week.
In My Thoughts:
Jesus, this week I promise to take time daily to conform my thoughts by… (make your intention).
In My Words:
Jesus, this week I promise to take time daily to conform my words by… (make your intention).
In My Actions:
Jesus, this week I promise to take time daily to conform my actions by… (make your intention).
Pray the Litany of Virtues prayer.
Join our Virtue Meditation Prayer Challenge
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