Sunday Reflection with Father Robin Gibbons - 9 February 2014

Fr Robin Gibbons

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time 9 February 2014

How communicate is changing all the time, I bet some of us now well into middle age never thought that we would be able to Skype let alone on our mobile phones. E-mails give us instant communication across the world and have long replaced many forms of letter as a means of contact. It’s good we have these wonderful developments, but we also know they come at a cost. In recent years there has a been an upsurge in serious problems connected with the mis-use of social media. Issues over Facebook, Twitter, cyber bullying and the malicious e mails sometimes sent round for all to see show us that all is not well and there have been some serious tragedies. You will find this bad behaviour in any setting, the National Catholic Reporter recently closed article comment sections because of the increasing number of vitriolic postings there.

Why have I mentioned this? Perhaps because Isaiah calls us to order and reminds us that whatever technological advances we might have, God’s word is still our guiding light! The Prophet gives us several positive things to do, share food with the hungry, shelter those in need and want, clothe the naked, practical and simple charity. But he reminds us what we should not do, that is be unfriendly, oppressors, bullies, or make false and malicious accusations.

That list would make a good examination of conscience list for any of us who use today’s communication systems. We do have need of another form of etiquette, almost a list of ‘media sins’, do’s and don’t to guide u, ,and we need to encourage people not only to be aware of the potential problems but also to use these things wisely, courteously and with moderation.

Paul tells us that our faith is not based on human wisdom but on the power of God, a reminder that whatever we do, communication of the good news demands responsibility. Jesus calls us to be salt, flavouring life with our presence and works, but also light, that shines forth before others, so that our good deeds may be an example of God at work in and with us. We do not live in a vacuum, we embrace our world and all that is new, but like Jesus conduct our affairs with justice, integrity and love.

Fr Robin Gibbons is an Eastern Rite Chaplain for the Melkite Greek Catholics in Britain.