Our Identities as Catholic Mothers: Contentment with Christ over Cultural Comparison

Emily Joan invites us to explore what today’s society values and what our true vales should center on as Catholic mothers. 

In today’s society, instant gratification is prevalent, as is constant comparison with others. The Gospel invites us as Catholic mothers to live very counter-culturally to these ways. However, we are also human, and prone to fall into the comparison trap. Social media only compounds this problem, instantly promising the “perfect” home life, marriage, and children, all with just the click of a button!

I myself am no stranger to this reality. Growing up as a millennial, I was raised in achievement culture, sometimes feeling I was only as good as my most recent accolade. The pressure to continue to become better was constant. Sometimes I felt like I was on a carnival ride, just spinning and spinning, always aiming for the next big thing. This way of living followed me all through college and into my adult career life as well.

Looking back, it was good to use God’s gifts, but I also wonder, is our society experiencing the same constant spin? I feel in some aspects, this is most certainly the case. Today’s culture is always chasing the next thing. This may be a bigger car, a larger house, new clothing, a promotion, or even our dream vacation. With the constant race to achieve and acquire more in our lives, I question: When does it stop?

Rest in Christ, the Prince of Peace

Instead of riding the carnival ride of comparison for years, God invites us to get off the ride and rest in contentment. He wants us to slow down, to stop and smell the roses. If we are too busy to enjoy the fruits of our labor, what is the point? Even Jesus Himself took time to rest. As mothers, I think this is especially challenging but very important. We simply cannot serve our families to our fullest potentials without personal rest.

In addition, our identities are not rooted in our awards, our possessions, or even our families. Ultimately, when we strip away all the layers of motherhood, we are daughters of Christ. In Christ we find our centers and our worth. When I fall down the rabbit hole of comparison, I always come back to Christ. Our lives were not meant to be a constant dizzy of comparison.

Focus on Faith and Gain Gratitude

Focusing on our faith helps ground us in contentment. 

If then you were raised in Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. (Colossians 3:1-2)

When we focus our lives in contentment, it flourishes gratitude in return. If we are grateful for our blessings, we will not waste precious time on social media or comparing ourselves to others.

God has a specific assignment for each one of us. Comparing ourselves to another is not focusing on our own assignment. We have each been given individual talents and the gifts of a spouse and children of our own. None of these are random, as they have all been assigned from above. I cannot compare my own marriage to another, just like I cannot compare my children to others. Each of us was created in His image and for a purpose. When we compare ourselves, we are wasting time that could be spent perfecting our personal gifts and our divine assignments. In addition, when I focus on my blessings, I gain greater appreciation for what I possess. I no longer feel the cultural pressure to upgrade every aspect of my life.

Over the years, I have discovered the best cure for the comparison bug are activities rooted in faith. Some of these include spending time with Scripture, personal prayer, praying the Rosary, attending Adoration, adding to our family gratitude jar, and volunteering in my church community. When I focus on how I can best serve Christ and others, comparison is the last thing on my mind.

Perhaps the next time you find yourself on the carnival ride of comparison, you too can step off the ride and rest in faithful contentment. 

Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

In gratitude and prayer, we can quietly focus on our own assignments of the ultimate ride to Heaven.

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Copyright 2026 Emily Joan
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