Advice from a 4th

In his Lectures, Saint John Cassian lays down some simple rules for those who struggle against intemperance. Tips that come in handy for those who spend a lot of time on social media.

In his writings, Saint Jean Cassien, monk of the 4th century and founder of the Saint-Victor abbey in Marseilles, initiated his monks and through them all the monastic families of the West, to the spirituality of the ascetics of Palestine and Egypt, of which he was a part. In one of his teachings, he gives advice on how to resist the temptation of gluttony. A cute little sin he has never been able to get rid of, as he admits in his Conferences. And if we take a closer look, his recommendations can be adapted to all areas, including the use of social networks, a new form of virtual gluttony specific to our time.

1Fasting from social media

Saint John Cassian recommended to monks fasting, vigils, spiritual reading, awareness of the horror of sin and the desire for holiness to overcome gluttony. This advice can also be adapted to excessive Internet use, by fasting electronic devices for certain days or times. A cure that would develop a desire to grow in temperance and holiness. And why not devote this gadget-free time to family, friends, spiritual readings and prayer?

2Stop snacking

“The heaviness of my spirit seeps into my prayer life. I stop listening to the readings at Mass and I pray less attentively. And that’s when I know it has become a problem again,” said Saint John Cassian.

With social networks, it’s a bit the same thing. Even brief but frequent visits to social media can prevent living in the present. Unconsciously, we take refuge there and thus distance ourselves from family life, professional life or even hobbies such as reading. To remedy this, it can be useful to think of using the Internet in the same way as we think of eating. Just as it is good to avoid snacking between meals, let’s avoid picking up your phone and checking your e-mails or texts, Instagram or Facebook news feeds every time there is a break in the daytime.

3Use social media for a specific purpose

The holy monk also recommended “not to be overwhelmed by any delicacy, nor to take anything to eat or drink before the end of the fast”. It can be the same with social networks. How many times a day do we consult them for no valid reason? And how long this time can be if unfortunately we start scrolling through stories on Instagram! So the best solution is to not give in to distractions and strive to use social networks for a specific purpose. To achieve this, why not establish a specific time to consult them and limit it to a little half an hour? For example, in public transport on the way to the office or when returning home in the evening; or once the children are in bed.

4pray for temperance

“A reasonable supply of daily food in moderation is better than intense and prolonged fasting at frequent intervals,” said St. John Cassian.

So a reasonable use with moderation of social networks will be better than a long fast followed by the gluttony of Instagram stories. And to find self-control, nothing better than prayer to increase temperance.