I like to take excerpts from the Pope’s message in conjunction with the 43rd World Communications Day. You can find the full message on Vatican website. I shall pick a few lines to remind myself of the role I play. I am a bit puzzled why the Pope only directs the message to the young people. Hmmm….I am not young, but I am part of this digital generation, you know?
The Pope says..
In this year’s message, I am conscious of those who constitute the so-called digital generation and I would like to share with them, in particular, some ideas concerning the extraordinary potential of the new technologies, if they are used to promote human understanding and solidarity. These technologies are truly a gift to humanity and we must endeavour to ensure that the benefits they offer are put at the service of all human individuals and communities, especially those who are most disadvantaged and vulnerable.
Elements that I would like to remind myself to convey through the digital means that I am capable of :
Life is not just a succession of events or experiences: it is a search for the true, the good and the beautiful. It is to this end that we make our choices; it is for this that we exercise our freedom; it is in this – in truth, in goodness, and in beauty – that we find happiness and joy.
And I shall consider myself as one of the ‘young people’ the Pope is calling out :
It falls, in particular, to young people, who have an almost spontaneous affinity for the new means of communication, to take on the responsibility for the evangelization of this “digital continent”. Be sure to announce the Gospel to your contemporaries with enthusiasm. You know their fears and their hopes, their aspirations and their disappointments: the greatest gift you can give to them is to share with them the “Good News” of a God who became man, who suffered, died and rose again to save all people. Human hearts are yearning for a world where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth, and where identity is found in respectful communion. Our faith can respond to these expectations: may you become its heralds! The Pope accompanies you with his prayers and his blessing.
For this Pentecost, if I am going to write a petition, if I am going to spend time praying during the 9-day Novena, (which I had missed two btw and am not promising self to attend the rest of the seven days) I will ask the Holy Spirit to make me a better herald.
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