Too Much News?

The impossible seems to have occurred these last couple of weeks.  The constant stream of news to which we have grown accustomed these past three years has turned into a raging river.  It has been, to borrow a phrase, like drinking water from a fire hose.  Alerts are constantly popping up on my phone, the headline story on the NY Times web site is essentially a rolling update of the latest thing to happen, and it's all getting to be too much - and I'm a news junkie.

We'd do fine with less news, I believe.  People made it though the Second World War with a newspaper a day, and maybe an evening radio report.  But maybe the real problem is the kind of news we get, the stories that focus our attention.  Click-bait; celebrity break ups; stuff that really doesn't matter in the big scheme of things.  Do I need to know the latest dopey things spouted by a politician during this coronavirus crisis?  Honestly, no.  But the latest from health authorities so I can prudently plan for the next few weeks?  Yes, I need to know that, sooner rather than later.

All of this is a way to say we should focus on news that matters.  As a Christian, that would included the Good News.  Too often we focus on other things, and during Lent we should make a special effort to amend our behavior.  During these crazy days, remembering how God loves us, how God came to us in Jesus, and how God continues to comfort and support us through the presence of the Holy Spirit is the kind of news, the Good News, we need and should treasure.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 51:1-18: Sacrifice

During Lent people often talk about the things they've given up as a sacrifice.  That offering can seem like a burden.  Sometimes that's good, sometimes that's not.  It's good when we part with something that matters so that we can deepen our faith.  It's not when in doing so, we act as if we're doing God some kind of favor, one that deserves praise and acknowledgment.  The psalmist, along with the prophets and others in Scripture, not to mention Jesus, knew this reality.  They knew that it was all too easy for people to fake sacrifice, to look like they were doing something for God but in reality were doing something to boost their own reputation righteousness.  Here, in verses 17 and 18 and Psalm 51 we are told what God really seeks from us: not an animal on an altar, but real introspection and an honest accounting of our sins.  "Had you desired it, I would have offered sacrifice, but you take no delight in burnt-offerings.  The sacrifice o
Read more

Shortest Day

Today is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.  You've probably heard by now about the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, which should be quite a sight.  Of course, this being 2020, the sky will probably be overcast obscuring this celestial event. But rather than be pessimistic, I will indulge in some optimism, some hope, that we will be able to see what has been dubbed "The Christmas Star" - even though Christmas isn't until the 25th and Jesus was likely born in March.  Still, it's the thought that counts, right?  Advent is all about hopeful anticipation, and we're coming to its glorious conclusion. I choose to welcome Christ with an open heart.  What about you?  Will you join me?  Will you look heavenward, confident that, clouds or no clouds, Our Lord is coming to be with us?
Read more

Girl Power

I honestly don't know whether referring to "girl power" is, as they now say, "problematic."  I use it with reference to today's Scripture readings with only the greatest of respect.  The stories of Scripture are as much about women as they are men.  Consider Hannah, mother of Samuel, and Mary, mother of Jesus, who were two strong, empowered women whose faith guided their lives, example and morals shaped their sons, and witness that inspired the faithful for generations.  As we approach Christmas, let us remember these two women who have done so much to shape the faith through their commitment, grit, and love.
Read more