Recently I watched a series on Netflix “the social dilemma”. It spoke about the tech world and how the algorithms made facebook, instagram, pinterest, youtube, tiktok and other social media apps addictive and why all young and old are in need to be in constantly addicted to it.
While fake news is being spread 7 times faster than the real news, in my country during a period of pandemic when 500 healthcare workers have died infected with COVID 19 , the media– print, social, virtual (all forms) is so intensely working on the ” alleged ” suicide of a Indian cinema actor.
Yes I agree we all need drama and entertainment!!! We work so hard to earn a living and this is a distraction , a much needed break from that stress by scrolling through our feed, watching cat videos… So did Herod!! He was a king .. he had responsibility.. for fun he watched women dance ( alas! he did not have you tube then) .. and granted the wish of beheading John the Baptist…
So imagine his surprise when he gets news that he has returned. Exactly like we get ” information” — fake news or conspiracy theories of the COVID 19 virus bred in a Chinese lab on the various news sources and social media sites… Just like Herod , we cannot figure out what is the truth …
We live in denial. We believe what is presented to us and if we are looking at the wrong sources or surrounded by company who believes the exact opposite .. we tend to think different and judge others for not following us. As in our lives of faith, we learn that its okay to not attend Sunday church as it is lockdown or why do I need to pray when I have amovie marathon to watch.. when an atheist or non believer friend or coworker says the Church is full of scandals .. we believe them. In an instant, we lose our faith and our priority changes.
Over time, we move away from the very truth , that Jesus is life and take Him for granted and stray to the new fascinating lifestyle where most youth I know say — “I do not believe in God or you are a catholic cause you are trained in this faith since you were a child. ” I often wonder what a sad life it would be like Herod, not knowing where and who is the truth and blindly following the crowd. Some give up their faith and swapped it for other worldly pleasures of money and fame or worse addictions. They just gave up on JESUS!!
I recently joined a 6 sunday Christian Life Seminar with youth (18-35years) all across the globe and it made me so happy to see youngsters in the faith, making an effort of trying to get in touch with Jesus and our catholic faith , almost sounds like Herod,
Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”
And he kept trying to see him.
But atleast Herod tried.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I want to seek you everyday in my daily routine and in my lofty earthly goals. Help me discern to make you my goal in my life and decisions. Forgive me Lord if I have not stood up for my faith when others belittled me. Help me stay strong.
Amen
