Saturday, May 16, 2009

If You Belonged to the World....

As in previous posts, I'd like to direct your attention to the thoughts of Fr. Bob Barron of the Archdiocese of Chicago who most recently wrote an article for CNN on priestly celibacy, coming after the news surrounding Fr. Alberto Cutie of Miami. This article was set side-by-side with an article by Fr. Donald Cozzens. Barron writes, as always, intelligently and tries to get the reader to look beyond celibacy to what it points to - a greater reality.

On a related note, in this fast-paced and ever-changing technological world, I've debated about whether I should even take the time to read the "comments" section on blogs and news sites. They are practically anonymous and have no accountability. Meaning, any claim can be made and any refutation is quickly lost in a sea of comments, links, etc. But despite those practical problems, I find the comments section to be frustrating and this even-keeled person finds himself upset quite easily - mostly due to the ignorance which lies behind many of the comments anonymously posted and the harm they do to the truth of the Gospel.

This is an issue about modern discourse, it's an issue about the internet as an instrument of either good or evil, it's an issue about modern evangelization. And the problem is not going to go away. From today's Gospel:

Jesus said to his disciples: "If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, 'No slave is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

3 comments:

Maria said...

Hi Father,
I've really enjoyed reading about your experiences in Rome and I thought I'd drop by to stay hi.
I follow your blog regularly when I find time to actually read blogs.

I saw your post with the link to Fr. Barron's clip about "Angels and Demons," which I agree was on of the best commentaries on the movie yet. I then followed his link to his commentary about priestly celibacy.

When, I read the comments section of blogs and news sites, I often shake my head wondering where these people from because I've read some of the most hateful, uncharitable and unchristian things in comments sections. Often from fellow Catholics, but many times at news sites, those leaving comments are often so ignorant and hate-filled toward Catholics and have no understanding of Catholicism. It seemed like those were the comments I read following both posts at the CNN news site. Sometimes, it's truly disheartening.

Anonymous said...

Father,
I am your neighbor at the Angelicum a few minutes' walk from the Casa. I was grateful for your comment about the lack of responsibility attendant to anonymous blogging. This is a very important consideration that has received very little attention as far as I am aware, and the moral implications should not be overlooked. (It reminds me of the freedom we can easily feel to be impolite in bad traffic when protected by the "anonymity" of the automobile.) Good point. Thanks. Fr. Michael Monshau, O.P.

Fr. Michael Wurtz, CSC said...

Fr. Michael, Thanks for your comment. The Holy Father touched upon this yesterday in his address:

"The new technologies have brought about fundamental shifts in the ways in which news and information are disseminated and in how people communicate and relate to each other. I wish to encourage all those who access cyberspace to be careful to maintain and promote a culture of respect, dialogue and authentic friendship where the values of truth, harmony and understanding can flourish."