By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).
Today’s world is designed with the greatest digital infrastructure in history. Has the evolution of technology made our lives simpler, or has it actually complicated our ability to converse with one another or comprehend truth?
Anyone born after 2000 has never known life without the internet. The children born between 1992-1999 are recognized as the last generation to spend their early childhood in an analog world. The movies they watched were on VHS tapes; they played outdoors with friends and rode bicycles that were not electric. Then the “smartphone” ushered into their teenage years!
On July 23, 1962, the first historic, 20 minute, live transmission of international news was broadcast on television via Telstar 1. This satellite relayed images from the United States to Europe; bringing real time information into living rooms across the country. News traveled fast — in 1955, only nine percent of households had a television, by 1965, 90 percent of homes were entertained by black and white TV. We quickly became a society of screen watchers, and the progression accelerated with the introduction of the World Wide Web in 1991. These facts and dates were found on the Internet, but as wonderful as this finger touch availability is, we need to pause and think about how much time we spend on devices with screens.
Communicating is more than using vocabulary and grammar. Our common language encompasses history, social awareness, cultural perspective and the ability to infer what another person may assume you already know. Things implied are often lost in text messages or a social media posts.
A meaningful conversation is dependent on good intentions. Language works and functions properly when people communicate with common understanding and respect for one another. Knowledge, discernment and attentiveness are not genetic gifts, they are cultivated by reading, observing and sharing our stories and beliefs with others.
People seldom make time to read lengthy books from the great writers. CliffsNotes pamphlets were once used for a quick review of complex works; now artificial intelligence alleges to enhance our daily efficiency. The practice of comprehending complexity has become a challenge for students who simply do not know how to read. We are surrounded by information overload, but at the same time we are losing the intellectual ability to transform information into understanding.
Jesus used simple parables to teach. He used language that people understood to personally share his message. The Church teaches that Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium are interconnected … losing one part creates an imbalance in the Deposit of Faith. When any infrastructure collapses and language itself become less efficient, and every discussion requires explanation, and every disagreement needs translation and forgiveness, then people have failed to communicate with unconditional love.
The Holy Spirit authored a lengthy book of truth for us to read daily. Never assume that everyone has enough grace and wisdom, prepare and share! Great writers expect their readers to at least meet them halfway. The gospel writers fully embraced Jesus’ teachings. The only thing preventing us from this opportunity is an open heart. Enjoy meaningful conversation with God! To him be glory forever! Amen!