Sunday, September 13, 2015

Poor News Sources

"Who do people say that I am?"   Mk 8:27

At Mass this weekend, our priest made an interesting comparison.  He compared today's media and news sources to Mark's Gospel.  

Jesus asked His disciples who people said He was.  The disciples replied with numerous, less-than-correct, answers.   Why?  Because "people" got their information from other people who did not know, and who made their own assumptions.  

But Peter, as we well know, got the answer correct. Why?  Because he got his answer from a source that knew the facts - in this instance, Divine intervention!

Fast forward to today.  The media, and sadly, some Christians, do not have all the facts when they comment on our religion, the Church, and our Pope.  (Especially when commenting on our Pope.  It is amazing how many times I have read an incorrect interpretation of what the Church stands for or what Pope Francis says.)  

And since the media, especially social media, is such a big part of our lives today, these incorrect facts spread faster - and broader - than ever.   People are getting, and sharing, "facts" from people that do not take the time to understand the truth.  Like the "people" in today's Gospel, they are getting their "facts" from the wrong sources.  

That is one reason we need to pray that many more people will come back to the Church.  To take the time to study our Faith.  And, as St. James tells us in the second reading, to demonstrate our Faith through works.  

God Bless you.


Victor S E Moubarak said...

What a brilliant post this time Michael. Thank you.

Yes, it is true that today a lot of facts are mixed with fiction and spread further through social media. I sometimes wish our Church was more clear on where it stands on certain issues. I find it difficult sometimes writing my Fr Ignatius stories because it's a very thin line between the Church's teaching and its perceived teaching on certain issues.

God bless you for your wisdom.

Michael said...

Victor, I can often sense that in your stories as well. You do such a good job of walking that line, though! Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. God Bless you.