Tweeting for Jesus

I was reading through my Summer issue of Faith and Family magazine, and came across an interesting article about the Pope's message for World Communication's Day from 2009.  In it, Pope Benedict XVI addressed the young "digital generation", and the increasing popularity of texting and social networking.  I decided to look up and read the message for myself.

I have to admit that I almost expected this message to be of a warning-nature of some kind, but instead it was more encouraging than anything.  Obvious benefits that he describes from technologies such as blogs, facebook, twitter, email include being able to stay in contact with family across great distances, helping students and researchers access documents, working collaboratively from remote locations, and producing new ways to learn and communicate. 

He discusses that what young people are drawn to more than just gadgetry, is the desire to know and to be known.  We desire communion with each other, and by reaching out and being open to others we fulfill "our deepest need and [become] more fully human".  Moreover, the Pope describes these technologies as a "gift to humanity" and encourages us to use them for a greater purpose; by promoting a culture of respect, dialogue and friendship. 

As Christians, we must use these technologies to promote respect and dignity of all human beings.  We should avoid using them to spread hate, intolerance, objectification, exploitation ect.

In addition, he mentions that we should take advantages of technology to share fruitful dialogue between people. With the click of a mouse we can communicate with people from other countries, cultures and faiths.  We should always be spreading peace, truth, beauty and goodness.  This concept reminds me of St. Maximillian Kolbe's mission to spread the love of God through modern tools like the media.  It is also what I hope Defining Beauty will continually reflect.

Lastly, the Pope discusses the idea of "friendship" and mentions that we should be aware of the casual term that "friend" has become in cyberspace ect.  He talks about how friendship is one of the highest achievements of human culture, and that although networking may faciliate some of our friendships, we should always keep our real relationships a priority over virtual ones.

He finishes with this beautiful message that I could not even put into my own words:

"I would like to conclude this message by addressing myself, in particular, to young Catholic believers: to encourage them to bring the witness of their faith to the digital world. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I ask you to introduce into the culture of this new environment of communications and information technology the values on which you have built your lives. In the early life of the Church, the great Apostles and their disciples brought the Good News of Jesus to the Greek and Roman world. Just as, at that time, a fruitful evangelization required that careful attention be given to understanding the culture and customs of those pagan peoples so that the truth of the gospel would touch their hearts and minds, so also today, the proclamation of Christ in the world of new technologies requires a profound knowledge of this world if the technologies are to serve our mission adequately. 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."

January 24 2009

A Little Meditation

Over the past week I have been reminded how much the world can affect us so I thought I include an excerpt from The Imitation of Mary:

"Bear in mind that never yet have you had dealings with the world without being worse off in God's eyes than when you began.
You must love solitude if you are safely to appear among men. For it is in solitude that you learn to act when you are amid the world.
To live withdrawn from the world is one of the most effective means of preserving your own innocence of soul. Nothing weakens a man's virtue more than the frequent companionship of men.
Can anyone breathe the poisoned air of the world without being infected by it? Pull back into solitude and breathe its purer air.
The holy hermits tell us that they were never better able to converse intimately with God than when they had withdrawn from worldly affairs and worldly company."

As I grow deeper in love with Christ and His Blessed Mother and learn to trust completely in His will for me, I become more innocent. I don't go to many public places: restaurants, movie theaters, ball games etc. since having babies. Most gatherings include only devote Catholic people. Having said that, a couple of weeks ago I went to a Dodger game with my sister and I truly felt scandalized. It was just in the way people talk to each other especially in mixed company. I forget the language people use. My sister and I would look at each other embarrassed at what we were hearing. I think that this meditation on secluding yourself from the world really helps me to remember that everything I do should be for Him.

Thanks Moms!

I have one week left until I return home from my five-month "working holiday" in Australia.  My husband, bub (Aussie lingo for baby) and I have been living a beautiful city in the Southern part of the country.  One of the biggest adjustments for me during my time here has been getting used to city living.   Don't get me wrong, I love the trendy cafes, unique boutiques, being able to walk everywhere and the constant hustle and bustle around me.  In fact, it took me several weeks to put my finger on what was missing:  families.

It make sense;  you get married, have a baby and decide to move to the burbs for your house with a white picket fence.  We have all heard this story before.  I just never realized how much encouragement I was receiving at home, from the families, specifically the mothers around me.  I am a beginner when it comes to motherhood, and after a long morning of running errands with a cranky baby, I often make eye contact with another young mom at the check-out, and we smile at each other sympathetically.  It reminds me that I was not alone in this.

While the city is full of young women, many of them probably around my age, it is more difficult to make this connection.  I see them shopping, napping in the park, studying at the cafes, socializing in the bars.  We often exchange smiles, but it is obvious that we do not relate to each other.  All of this has caused me to reflect on the importance of having mommy friends to relate to.  For the past few months, I have been finding my daily encouragement through emails with friends, on facebook, or blogs like this one.  Knowing that Applejacs and her daughter are dealing with similar baby sleep issues gives me an opportunity to offer up my challenges and encourages me that I will eventually get through them.  I feel so grateful for these relationships!

Since Mother's Day is this weekend, I want to say Thank You to all mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunties and friends who support novices like me.  Your example gives us hope and inspiration.  Your prayers give us strength and encouragement.  Of course, I have to thank our ultimate model, the Mother of all humanity, the Mother of God.  Mary, you spent most of your life ordinary like us, by feeding your family, nursing your child's wounds, singing lullabies, playing games and caring for your home.  You teach us kindness, humility, service, grace and you give us your love.  Blessed Mother Teresa taught a beautiful and simple prayer:  "Mary, Mother of Jesus, be a Mother to me now".  Please continue to guide us on our journey of motherhood!

Happy Mother's Day to all!