Why do I love it?

• Possibly a sneak peek of our upcoming World Communications Day message
• Extremely relevant & needed, even six years later
• A ‘new’ way to view St. Joseph and his role in Jesus’ life
• St. Joseph – what’s not to love?

Read and enjoy: ‘Infected’ by the Silence of St. Joseph – Pope Benedict XVI

Happily yours,

Angela Soon-to-be-Sealana

This morning I was compelled to read the third ‘secret’ of Fatima. (That is, part of the apparitions which Our Lady revealed to the child visionaries of Fatima in the early twentieth century.) In all honesty, I am not that ‘into’ Marian apparitions or private revelation. This weekend, though, I was part of the Catholic Women’s Conference which my employers organize, and Our Lady’s voice reverberated through all the talks, Mass, prayer services, etc. It struck me.

So today I dove into the parchmented Vatican.va, and found the page regarding the Message of Fatima. I won’t recount all of it here, but wish to highlight what gave me hope. In the words of visionary Sr. Lucia, the third ‘secret’ is this:

At the left of Our Lady and a little above, we saw an Angel with a flaming sword in his left hand; flashing, it gave out flames that looked as though they would set the world on fire; but they died out in contact with the splendour that Our Lady radiated towards him from her right hand: pointing to the earth with his right hand, the Angel cried out in a loud voice: ‘Penance, Penance, Penance!’. And we saw in an immense light that is God: ‘something similar to how people appear in a mirror when they pass in front of it’ a Bishop dressed in White ‘we had the impression that it was the Holy Father’. Other Bishops, Priests, men and women Religious going up a steep mountain, at the top of which there was a big Cross of rough-hewn trunks as of a cork-tree with the bark; before reaching there the Holy Father passed through a big city half in ruins and half trembling with halting step, afflicted with pain and sorrow, he prayed for the souls of the corpses he met on his way; having reached the top of the mountain, on his knees at the foot of the big Cross he was killed by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows at him, and in the same way there died one after another the other Bishops, Priests, men and women Religious, and various lay people of different ranks and positions. Beneath the two arms of the Cross there were two Angels each with a crystal aspersorium in his hand, in which they gathered up the blood of the Martyrs and with it sprinkled the souls that were making their way to God.

What Does It Mean?

The official theological interpretation of this vision was appointed to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. In it, we hear a message of great hope (emphasis is my own):

…no suffering is in vain, and it is a suffering Church, a Church of martyrs, which becomes a sign-post for man in his search for God. [...] “my Immaculate Heart will triumph”. What does this mean? The Heart open to God, purified by contemplation of God, is stronger than guns and weapons of every kind. The fiat of Mary, the word of her heart, has changed the history of the world, because it brought the Saviour into the world—because, thanks to her Yes, God could become man in our world and remains so for all time. The Evil One has power in this world, as we see and experience continually; he has power because our freedom continually lets itself be led away from God. But since God himself took a human heart and has thus steered human freedom towards what is good, the freedom to choose evil no longer has the last word. From that time forth, the word that prevails is this: “In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). The message of Fatima invites us to trust in this promise.

And then, I came to the signature of the interpreter, and I was pleased to see the name: Joseph Ratzinger.

The Urgent Need for Silence

Lately, the Holy Father has spoken about the need for silence and contemplative prayer in our times. Yesterday, his homily spoke to this strongly:

Technical progress, markedly in the area of transport and communications, has made human life more comfortable but also more keyed up, at times even frantic. [...] The youngest, who were already born into this condition, seem to want to fill every empty moment with music and images, as for fear of feeling this very emptiness. [...] Some people are no longer capable of remaining for long periods in silence and solitude.

If we put these messages together, the necessity of silent contemplation is glaringly evident. The frantic world around us knows not what to make of its sufferings. It does not take time to discern, but rushes to find solutions – any solutions – to stave off suffering. The noise of its busyness is deafening.

As Catholics faced with suffering and persecution, we must beckon the Lord’s command: “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:11). Only when we obey and enter into contemplation, do we begin to make ourselves vulnerable in God’s presence. We cannot allow ourselves to follow the world’s example, with its division, chaos, dissension, and confusion (characteristics of demonic influence).

When we allow silence we expose our weakness and frailty before God, we find meaning in suffering. Christ told Sr. Faustina Kowalska in an apparition, “Meditation on My Passion will help you rise above all things.”

There is much pain and evil in the world; it has entered through human’s decisions to act apart from God. When we stop for silent prayer, we step away from the messages of a world parched with thirst for God. Silence allows us to drink in God’s Living Water, which strengthens us beyond any of the world’s strongest weapons: “The Heart open to God, purified by contemplation of God, is stronger than guns and weapons of every kind.”

I look forward to the Holy Father’s upcoming World Communications Day Message, which will focus on silence.

I’m still catching up on the recordings, but I wanted to list a few things that made me happy, even observing from home in San Antonio.

• More Eucharistic prayer: CNMC has always ended with Mass. The source and summit of our lives certainly deserved more personal attention at such a beautiful event; I know it must have set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
• More consecrated folk: Participation from more clergy, religious, and first-time participation from bishops (even live-tweeting from IN’s Bishop Coyne, which totally made me geek out) also allows for a wider cooperation between us reg’lar faithful folk and those who have consecrated their lives to faith-ful service.
• Vatican spokesperson: Sean Patrick Lovett’s presence as a participant and keynote speaker really begins to connect the dots. Sean has been the director of Vatican Radio for years, and I have the feeling that his presence brought some continuity between now and the May 1st Vatican Bloggers Meeting. Additionally, as Matt Warner expressed, “it made the Vatican and us seem not quite so distant.”
• The return of the panel: The very first CNMC included a panel discussion (remember that?) which allowed for many talented, experienced voices to create dynamic dialogue. I was glad to see this format return, because I think it aptly reflects our digital conversations. (*Plus, we got a verbal re-tweet out of it.)
• A breakout session on theology: Hallelujah! It’s what I’ve been waiting for. Pat Gohn gave a nice start to what I hope will be many future breakout sessions on the theology of communication. Look, if the Church asks us to know something about the theology of Baptism before we become godparents, Confirmation before we become sponsors, and Matrimony before the wedding, shouldn’t we educate ourselves on the theology of these new media as we use them for God’s purposes? This excites me, and I hope SQPN’s Board can arrange for some keynotes on this in the future. There is so much to be said.
• Collaboration between media: With CatholicTV present (giving a sneak peek of their ‘Mass Confusion’ sitcom starring several Catholic new media celebs), Lino Rulli’s Sinner book promoted, and The Mighty Macs film preview, I hope a precedent has been set for cooperation between ‘old’ media and ‘new.’ The Lord knows we all need constructive criticism, encouragement, and ideas.
• More challenging language: The first few CNMCs have been, whether we realized it or not, about some thumbs-up and a good slap on the back. We focused more on how exciting Catholic new media are/could be, how to dive into it, how much we ‘get it’ while other Catholic media don’t, and how many souls we’re saving with new media. This year, for the first time, I sensed the understanding that CNMCs need to include more critical self-reflection. Are we really on the cutting edge? Are we letting our egos get the best of us? How are we guarding against the dangers of new media? Are we challenging each other? Excellent; I hope this continues.

If you’re like me, I read [er, skim] a lot online. Blogs, news, you name it. And if you’re like me, you read and move on. Unless, that is, something just infuriates you. Then, you become a righter-of-wrongs; an online crusader! (Insert triumphant hero music here.) The combox becomes your opportunity to say, “Enough, you scoundrel!” and proudly sign your name to a defense of truth and all that is good / just / beautiful / etc.

If you’re like me, that generally doesn’t happen. Most of the stuff I read online, I read because:

1. I generally agree
2. I think it’s cool
3. I subscribe

The result? Most of us bloggers, webmasters, etc. often receive more negative feedback than positive feedback. Rarely do we hear from those that subscribe to, agree with, or ‘dig’ us.

Today, I posted my two cents on this blog entry for Fairfield U’s “More than a Monologue” series on LGBTs and the Catholic Church. Of course, I found the blog and the series itself lacking. After putting on my truth-defending helmet, I posted a link to Courage, the only Church-approved apostolate ministering to those with same-sex attraction.

The need for encouragement

This reminded me of all the good work that Courage has done—and continues to do for our Church. (I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of the local chapter; they do phenomenal ministry.) Their presence is so needed. I decided that I should write them an email to say, Thanks. Your work means so much. I’m praying for you.

Having been blessed to work in ministry for several years, I know the importance of encouragement. Often, we deal with tough times. We wonder how much the community values our work. But—when our office get a letter, email, or comment from someone who says, “Right on! I’m praying for you!” it helps us to keep on going.

What would Rocky Balboa have been without Mick? Luke without Yoda? Frodo without Sam? We need support and encouragement in the midst of a fight, a war, or a struggle. As Catholics, that’s what we’re in. We’re not the Roamin’ Lone Catholics. We’re the Catholic Church.

A challenge for you and myself: If there is a group, ministry, web outreach, blogger, or other entity that you admire and appreciate, tell them so. Use those “Contact Us” buttons and comboxes for encouragement as well as admonishment.

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up…
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who are laboring among you and who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you,
and to show esteem for them with special love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all.
See that no one returns evil for evil; rather, always seek what is good [both] for each other and for all.

(1 Thess. 5:11-15)

No worries – this is not regarding anything doctrinal. In fact, I do not disagree with the Holy Father; I do have something to say which could be controversial. Let’s get to that…

How This Started

A blogger whom I know as New Media Catholic recently wrote, “How to be ‘Efficient’ in Social Media Church Advocacy.” He brings up some solid points. In fact, I support his main message, which is to publicly voice your support for your local bishop and diocese. Amen!

When I finished reading, however, I wasn’t exactly comfortable with the idea of upholding “efficiency” in such high esteem when it comes to Catholics’ new media usage. A combox conversation ensued:

Me:  [...] I don’t know if I would call efficiency one of the top new media ‘virtues’ that we should embrace as Catholics. [...]

New Media Catholic: Please keep in mind that the word “efficient” is taken from the Pope’s quote. I’m only echoing what he said and adding some commentary. Do you think the Pope is wrong on this point? If so, how?

Also, I’m not sure that we disagree. When we are “effective” we need to be sure that we are using our limited resources to create a maximum amount of change in the world. Being proactive is one piece of it, but most of what I get into is how to be an advocate for the Church online. [...]

A Matter of Translation

Full disclosure: I have no Italian blood and have never studied Italian. However, you can look up the Holy Father’s original 44th World Communications Day message. The Pope’s word in Italian, “efficace” – might be better translated as “effective” over “efficient.” I truly believe that we should aim for effectiveness over efficiency, and I now mean to distinguish between the two because they are not always the same.

Extraordinary Communication

Now, I could get myself into hot water with some people by saying this: the example I can’t shake from my mind which causes me to maintain a distinction between “efficiency” and “effect” is…the distribution of Holy Communion.

In the United States, it is typical for a parish to have several Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at Mass. This is what I think of as “efficient” – because without the EMs, it would take much more time to distribute Holy Communion. Thus, efficient: doing more in less time.

Having experienced Mass in other countries, I’ve also seen the custom to have only clergy distribute Holy Communion.

Speaking purely from personal, interior observation: Walking up to a priest and receiving the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Lord from one of His ordained clergy, a man who has given his life to act In Persona Christi, is a different experience than receiving the same Precious Lord from a fellow lay person. I can’t be the only person in the world who would admit that, seeing a priest hold up the consecrated Host and declare, “The Body of Christ,” is a different experience than seeing a fellow layperson do the same.

Efficiency in Digital Communications

Being efficient is certainly not intrinsically ‘wrong’ or ‘lesser’ than taking the longer route to accomplish a task. In fact, efficiency can be very good. (You can read all about what Pope Leo XIII thinks about efficiency in Rerum Novarum, for instance.) I’ve even included efficiency as a reason why ministries should consider engaging in social and new media usage.

That having been said, “efficiency” does not always positively affect. We need to consider this as we communicate the Faith through digital media.

Altar where we celebrated Mass. (No stealing photo, please.)

To further illustrate my point: On my pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we were privileged to have celebrated Mass in the Tomb of Christ. What a blessing beyond words. There, where He was buried and rose, I received Holy Communion from the hands of a priest. Had we been anywhere else, maybe there would have been Extraordinary Ministers present. We were on an extremely tight schedule; the Sepulchre only “belongs” to Catholics for a few hours a day, and we had a few minutes from the moment we walked in to the moment we left, to squeeze 40 pilgrims into the sepulchre, to celebrate Easter Mass, whilst allowing each pilgrim a chance to squeeze in and out of the inner chamber where Jesus’ body had been laid. Efficiency in distributing Holy Communion could have been a priority. But it wasn’t.

Why Efficiency Is Not Always Best

Before you break out your GIRMs, please listen. My point is not to spark another thread of seemingly endless debate about the distribution and reception of Holy Communion. Nor am I saying that receiving the Precious Body and Blood of Our Lord from anyone other than clergy is less efficacious. Our bishops know better than I do on these matters, and I trust and obey them.

What I wish to convey is the distinction between efficiency and effectiveness. I would argue that, when we choose to use new media as Catholics—for whatever purpose, but especially when speaking on behalf of our Faith—we should remember that when we focus on being efficient, we sometimes sacrifice effect. How can we afford to sacrifice effect when that effect is the effect of the Gospel? Of God’s grace—and love?

If one of our Facebook friends, for instance, posts an article about the Catholic Church which is clearly divisive, we have several choices:

1. Offer this in prayer.
2. Respond with a short remark.
3. Launch into a discussion / debate in the comboxes.
4. Defer / refer to someone who might have a better response.
5. Comment with something thought-provoking, but later engage this person in a private, personal dialogue.

Each of these responses could be the wisest, depending upon so many factors: the subject matter, its seriousness, its potential for scandal, the frequency with which this person attacks the Church, their personal background / attitudes, and our own talents and abilities.

Prudently Proactive

That’s why I offer to our Catholic new media discussion table this phrase: prudent proactiveness. It’s clear that we are called to defend our Faith, to engage our cultures and societies in dialogue over the day’s issues, and to bear witness to the Gospel. And yes, we are also called to use God’s gift of time and the new media tools with which He provides us, in the best possible manner. But this does not necessarily mean that we should uphold “efficiency.”

My years researching and using new media have led me to believe that efficiency can be dangerous without prudence. We can easily become caught up in “digital crusading” that we lessen the effect of our words and actions. We can become focused on defending, making our case, having the last word, or rebuking our ‘attackers,’ that we mistake our fellow human beings for the falsehoods and evils we so despise.

Catholic new media users are called to a heightened sense of prudence. This involves not only discerning how best to use our time, but also our unique talents, and to listen with the ears of our hearts:

• Might this person’s attack on the Catholic faith stem from a wound in their past?
• How much does ignorance factor into this person’s anti-Catholic words and sentiments?
• How much of my response will be an emotional reaction?
• What are my talents? How is God calling me to respond, given my vocation and gifts? (If I am better at showing concern and being a friend than being an apologist, perhaps my love will soften this person’s hardness of heart against the Church.)
• Is the medium I am using the best way to respond? Is my message more appropriate in public, in video, in a private dialogue, over the phone, in a letter, or in person?
• How much do I care about having the last word? Might I refer this situation to someone better suited to handle it?

There will always be people who perpetuate stereotypes, lies, and ignorant claims about our Church and our Faith. While we should witness for Christ, we must also practice this prudent proactiveness. We can’t do it all.

Blessed Mother Teresa knew that most of us cannot feed a hundred people. So, she said, “Feed just one.”

P.S. Also a good read—Matthew Warner on 2011: The Year of Real Relationships

What you mayn’t have yet read are straightforward reasons why you should reach into your wallet or thin ministry budget and purchase this book…

Allow me to assist:

One-of-a-kind. There isn’t anything else in the world like this book.

Bang for your buck. This book is almost like getting personal advice from professionals in Catholic new media! (Oh wait…that’s actually what it is.) You don’t even have to pay consulting fees to all of the contributors. After I started reading, I almost felt like I’d stolen something.

Many perspectives. This is perhaps one of the most impressive characteristics of TCANM. Readers benefit from the perspectives of moms, dads, priests, laity, young & old[er], converts and cradle Catholics. We hear from writers and bloggers, podcasters, video creators, webmasters, Facebookers, Twitterers, and that doesn’t cover all the bases. The result is a multi-faceted look at the past, present, and future of the relationship between the Catholic Church and new media.

Time in a bottle. Needless to say, hearing so many varying voices speak with you about new media is like bottling all the collective experiences of so many individuals. You gain from their years of experimentation, failures, and successes.

Inspiring examples. Sprinkled throughout the chapters are sidebars highlighting outstanding examples of organizations or individuals who have embraced new media for the Church’s purposes. You’ll be inspired to take leaps of faith and stretch your creative muscles after reading about these Catholic new media ‘Olympic athletes’, and I definitely don’t say that because I’m one of ‘em. These are all ‘normal’ folks who’ve used their unique talents and experiences to glorify God.

Dynamic resources. Brandon Vogt has stuffed this baby chalk-full of websites, and the book’s website will continue to grow as a resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the Church and new media. This is one of the ways you can bet the book won’t become outdated for a long, long time. I’m honored to have two of my projects currently on the website’s Resources list.

Timeless guidelines. “But really, won’t this be outdated once the next big thing comes along?” you’re asking me. No. I can confidently say that Vogt and his contributors have guarded against this by employing several strategies: incorporate Scripture, Tradition and Church documents; view new media usage from an eternal perspective; recommend principles that remain true regardless of the media – dealing with fear of the unknown, making ministry investments, relating to those you serve, etc.

Practical tips. While these pages are rich in principles, they also contain practical tips for familiarizing yourself / your ministry with new media, starting a blog, creating a podcast, bolstering parish new media, and even setting diocesan guidelines for new media quality and use. How much more brilliant does it get?

Doubles as charity! Well, it gets more brilliant at its heart. That’s because this book’s heart is truly united to the heart of God. Your purchase not only gets you this valuable book, but it also contributes to a CRS project in the Archdiocese of Mombasa, Kenya, to fund computer labs. The author is taking none of the proceeds for himself. None! Now that’s discipleship. And what’s more, by diving into the ‘digital continent’ yourself, you’re breaching a gap (the ‘digital divide’) of media availability to richer and poorer nations.

Those are just my few reasons. If you’ve read the book, what do you have to add to the list?

>>> Purchase The Church and New Media ASAP. This is required reading.

I love the cast of SQPN’s Catholic Weekend podcast, and while I enjoyed this weekend’s episode, I was struck by how often they referred to guest Brandon Vogt‘s youth. Seemed to me like I was supposed to be a little shocked that Brandon just turned 25 and he’s put together the most authoritative book on the Catholic Church and New Media to date.

After listening, I left Brandon a little ‘thank-you-note’ on his Facebook wall for representing us ’20-somethings’ with such grace. Even after being elbowed for his age, he “opened not his mouth” in spite. (Wink.)

Sometimes, I have difficulty following Brandon’s example. There have been plenty of folks who’ve disregarded me because of my age (and my apparent age, since I look younger), called me ‘cute’ or ‘sweetie’ and promptly turned away to speak with someone much older.

What I want to know is: what’s wrong with being young?

Young Heroes Aren’t Rare

Not much, according to our God. St. Paul says, the Lord has plenty of reasons to raise up young leaders:

God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God. (1 Cor. 1:27-29)

Think of King David, chosen over his older brothers; Esther; the prophet Jeremiah; the Blessed Mother a ‘mere’ teenager at the Incarnation; Christ himself proclaiming the Kingdom, dying, and rising as a young man.

Think of those with whom Mary has entrusted her messages for the world: the children of Fatima, young Bernadette of Lourdes, the youth of Kibeho, young Catherine Labouré, Faustina Kowalska…

Blessed James Alberione was 16 when he had the initial inspiration to serve God through media, and he began founding religious orders in his 20s and 30s.

Young New Media Leaders

Those who serve the Church in communications or evangelization should especially remain open to the help of younger generations. In fact, Pope Benedict XVI has all but demanded that:

Young people, in particular, have grasped the enormous capacity of the new media to foster connectedness, communication and understanding between individuals and communities…

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. [...] 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“. (Source)

and earlier this year, he re-affirmed youths’ necessary involvement in new media endeavors:

I invite young people above all to make good use of their presence in the digital world.

Some of the greatest pioneers in new media we’ve seen are young; the guys behind flockNote and Little i Apps stand out in particular, along with the Catholic Underground priests and laity. SQPN has its origins in the podcast of a priest in his 30s who happened to be at St. Peter’s Basilica during the death of John Paul II. The list goes on.

Re-Train Your Brain

When you meet a young man or woman, fight against the natural temptation to think of them as inexperienced to the point of being largely useless on projects (except as cheerleader / energizer), or immature-by-default.

I would like to request that the phrase, “The youth are the future of the Church,” die a horrible, painful death. … Hello! (Waves hand in front of your face.) I’m not the future; I’m part of this Church now! I’m not going to exist in some kind of beer-drinking, sex-binging coma and suddenly wake up ten years from now. I’m a member of Christ’s Body as much as you are, and God is calling me to help you build it up. Will you listen?

The word of the LORD came to me thus:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said, “I know not how to speak; I am too young.”
But the LORD answered me, Say not, “I am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. (Jeremiah 1:4-7)

Please don’t take this as some sort of defensive, one-sided whine session. God can work through anyone. But you know, it wasn’t for naught that St. Paul had to write these words to St. Timothy:

Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. (1 Tim. 4:12)

A pilgrim reaches into the Jordan River. Photo taken by me, on pilgrimage in November 2010.

Bishop Oscar Cantu stood at the Jordan River with a group of Holy Land pilgrims this June. The group was ready to renew their baptismal promises at the place where their Lord was baptized.

Then, a complication: the pilgrimage leaders couldn’t locate the formula for baptismal promises. Where was that paper??

“Oh, no problem.” Bishop Cantu pulled out his smartphone and downloaded the formula. Ready to renew!

Isn’t it marvelous what new media can do?

(I heard this story today from my boss, Mary Jane Fox, who together with her husband Deacon Tom Fox led this pilgrim group through the Holy Land. She also noted that many of the pilgrims were using iPads and smartphones to capture their pilgrimage memories.)

“I wish people were as excited about their Christian faith as they are about Harry Potter. The world would be full of saints.”
- Father Mark Clarke, CMF on his Facebook page

The Gospel

We’ve reached the fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. In the Gospel, Jesus preaches a peculiar—but familiar—parable: that of the sower and the seeds. You can read it here. We good Catholics know the gist of this story: the sower’s seeds land upon different types of terrain, which determine whether or not they grow and produce fruit.

When questioned, the Rabbi assures his followers:

This is why I speak to them in parables, because
they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.

Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:
You shall indeed hear but not understand,
you shall indeed look but never see.
Gross is the heart of this people,
they will hardly hear with their ears,
they have closed their eyes,
lest they see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their hearts and be converted,
and I heal them.

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see,
and your ears, because they hear.”

You and I are “blessed,” because we are Catholic. We have been changed by what we have seen and heard. We have heard, listened, and understood.

Modern-Day Sowing

For those of us who involve ourselves in Catholic media, this message from Jesus is especially pertinent. Why? We leave this answer to the godfather of media theory, Marshall McLuhan, a convert to Catholicism. In an interview with Fr. Patrick Peyton, McLuhan described the relationship between media and conversion. Call it a modern-day seed parable:

St. Paul’s remark that “faith comes by hearing” would seem to have something to do with this resonance of the Word — the Divine Word resonating in the human heart is a kind of interface which changes the human heart and tunes it in a totally new way.

[...] The world of resonance requires a complete involvement and consent on the part of the listener.

However, we can ‘switch off.’ Even to resonance we can ‘turn off.’ Many people, of course, have developed this power in the Electric Age: they are so embellished or so flooded with data, with information, that they tend to protect themselves by ‘switch off.’ Just turning themselves off, going numb, becoming some sort of somnambulistic modules and unaware, really, of themselves or the world they live in, not relating, and so on.

I suppose it’s possible to have little faith—the Scriptures even mention it: “O ye of little faith”—it seems to be directed there to people who’ve ‘switched off,’ who just reject the sound and the Word. St. Paul’s remark that “faith comes by hearing” rather than by any visual manifestation suggests how total it is. It was the old philosophers who pointed out that the world of resonance—acoustic space—is a complete sphere, whose center is everywhere and whose margin is nowhere. In the world of faith, you have that experience of being always at the center, and the center is everywhere, and the margins are nowhere.

There are so many of us today who allow ourselves to ‘switch off.’ We let the Word of God fall on rough terrain, and it’s gone. We’re so used to scanning hundreds of blog entries, tweets, and Facebook posts that we miss all the seeds. We don’t allow ourselves to be touched by God’s work in others’ lives, nor do we allow ourselves to see those bloggers, tweeps, and Facebook friends as soil in need of TLC.

Our Challenge

Notice that Jesus’ words are not simply an observation or factual statement, but a challenge to his followers: BLESSED ARE YOUR EYES AND EARS!

In other words: “You guys have been given the grace to understand the mysteries of faith! You have a tremendous responsibility!” Earlier in the gospel, Jesus said that he needs “more laborers for the harvest.” God is sowing seed like crazy, and He wants to harvest abundantly!!!

Hearing the Divine Word can be, as McLuhan says, completely involving and transformative. The Lord God says through Isaiah that His Word can convert and heal us—if only we listen and prepare the soil of our souls!

Takeaways

1. Fight against the tendency to ‘switch off’ to those around us, whom God is trying to touch.

2. Pray fervently and often to become a ‘master gardener’ and learn how to till the soil of the souls around you.

3. Don’t worry so much about sowing those seeds. (“Gee, how are we going to spread the Catholic faith?”) Jesus said, “Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say.” Marshall McLuhan is famous for declaring that content is not so important as the medium is important. God provides us with the medium/message: Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, God sows the seed of the Word in souls. He needs a strong support staff. He needs you to learn how to work with that soil. With you, He can clear away the thorns and the rocks. With you, He can transplant seeds to secure ground. He will help you nurture and till the soil. You are not the Star Sower; you are a laborer.

4. Take time daily to realize how precious a gift you’ve been given: knowledge of God’s Kingdom.

5. Consent to letting the Divine Word resonate in you.