Last Monday evening the Catholic community welcomed Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan to Dutchess County. In a reprise of his Installation Homily our shepherd expressed his gratitude to the Church of New York for its history of embracing...
Last Monday evening the Catholic community welcomed Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan to Dutchess County. In a reprise of his Installation Homily our shepherd expressed his gratitude to the Church of New York for its history of embracing the message and mission of the Pentecost event. He observed that the parishes, schools, Our Lady of Lourdes, retreat houses, convents, pro-life programs, and families have communicated to this world that: Jesus is risen, He is alive, and He is coming again. His sentiments recalled to me the words of Pope Benedict XVI released last week concerning modern technologies of reaching out across the world to share ideas.
In a fairly optimistic document the Holy Father stated first: “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 (important word, my comment) they are used to promote human understanding and solidarity. These technologies are truly a gift to humanity and we must endeavor to ensure that the benefits they offer are put at the service of all individuals and communities especially those who are most disadvantaged and vulnerable.” Sad to say some of our young people use their skills to anonymously (at times) slander another and occasionally bully a classmate, acquaintance, a stranger. On the other hand, many stories are told about the manner in which cell phones saved lives in a school crisis, ensured quick responses to medical emergencies, and relieved a concerned parent or relative.
His Holiness goes on to state that “accessibility of mobile telephones and computers, combined with the global reach and penetration of the internet, has opened a range of means of communication that permit almost instantaneous communication of words and images across enormous distances and to some of the most isolated corners of the world; something that would have been unthinkable for previous generations. Young people, in particular, have grasped the enormous capacity of the new media to foster connectedness, communication and understanding between individuals and communities, and they are turning to them as means of communicating with existing friends, of meeting new friends, of forming communities and networks, of seeking information and news, and of sharing their ideas and opinions. Many benefits flow from this new culture of communication: families are able to maintain contact across great distances; students, and researchers have more immediate and easier access to documents, sources and scientific discoveries, hence they can work collaboratively from different locations; moreover, the interactive nature of the new media facilitates more dynamic forms of learning and communication, thereby contributing to social progress.” Our chief shepherd has put into action these ideas. Not only has he updated the Vatican website, contributed to YouTube, he is also seen on Facebook. How far we have come from papal bulls posted on the door of churches. From my own experience I can recall that as a young priest I had to send my relatives in Ireland a telegram that I was arriving. Today I send e-mails to Taiwan. When the Holy Father issues messages, such as this one, I can read it within hours of its publication. Like many of you I can shop without leaving my home and at one in the morning. Alas! Because of the fall of Adam such a boon can be used to
further their evil ends. We know of thousands of cases of fraud and identity theft. Personally, I have been promised millions of dollars from a woman who has just lost her husband on a plane crash and all I would have to do is send some information. We all know what P. T. Barnum said. (Children, ask your grandparents who is that and what he said.) As a teacher I celebrate the knowledge my students can receive as they use various search engines but I regret that too many cut and paste rather than seek to understand what they read and question what might be stated. But this problem is not restricted to the young. So many blogs, websites, and pop-ups are filled not only with useless, sometimes scandalous, statements but also false assertions. All too often the phrase once uttered about newspapers is now heard about the internet: “It must be true I saw it on my computer.”
Addressing a concern of his as well as many others Pope Benedict urges: “Those who are active in the production and dissemination of new media content, therefore, should strive to respect the dignity and worth of the human person. If the new technologies are to serve the good of individuals and of society, all users will avoid the sharing of words and images that are degrading of human beings that promote hatred and intolerance, that debase the goodness and intimacy of human sexuality or that exploit the weak and vulnerable.” This is an area in which we must all monitor our behavior. The anonymity of the web can be tempting to some but God has all our user names and passwords. But parents especially, must be careful in observing the websites visited by their offspring and in monitoring with whom they are in dialogues. As law enforcement can testify the proverbial stranger can be in one’s home and encountering our innocent children and causing havoc if we don’t exercise care. Fathers will turn back at the door some young man who might be dressed as a reject from West Side Story or refuse to let his daughter leave when the lazy one honks a horn of command to appear. Then why not question someone who might have a screen name and little else.
Finally, might I express a resistance to the area of tech. E-mail might be o.k. for business purposes but I want to hear my friend’s voice. It will tell me how they are physically and emotionally. It’s nice to hear a word of support or comfort. And let’s limit the virtual reality games and really play golf, tennis, or baseball or at least go to see the Yankees or Renegades in good old fresh air.
Have a blessed week and remember the Archbishop’s main message last Monday. Christ loves you and so do your shepherds.
Vivat Jesus
Fr. Brian