LENT UNPLUGGED

A Lenten Reflection

If God had a Face book account, what would His “shout out” be? If He had Twitter, what would He "tweet" about? Would He keep tabs on us through our blogs? What would be playing on His MP3? Nowadays, it is almost second nature for people to text, surf or chat. ‘Face to face’ interaction is done through daily electronic posts of what is happening on each other’s lives.

Personalities can be gleaned through avatars and expressing one's feelings can be as easy as creating emoticons. Hours are spent poring over little digital screens, clicking on a mouse or rotating track wheels. The wonders of modern day technology had many of us addicted to the trappings of our “electronic appendages”. Without it, we “virtually” fade away.
Technology in itself is not a bad thing (even the Pope has a YouTube channel), but, as with all good things, moderation is the key. Pope Benedict XVI in his Lenten message to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square urged everyone “to find moments of silence and reflect on life in the light of God’s love.”

When did you last time read the Bible and pondered on His words? A trip to the confessional?
How about doing a “techno” fast? Try giving up your gizmos during these final days of Lent for a few hours and free your mind of distractions. St. Chrysologus said that “Fasting is the soul of prayer; mercy is the lifeblood of fasting.” A “techno” fast is a small sacrifice to make compared to the wonders it can do to our relationship with God.

Take a moment this Lent to untangle ourselves from the electronic clutches of the laptop, the “crackberry”, the MP3 or the game console. Get offline, unplugged and connect with Him instead. Devote some heart to heart “face time” with God. Lent is the time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice He made because of His immense love for us.

Our gadgets and gizmos are akin to worthless pennies compared to the greatness of His love. Isn’t it beautiful that with God, there is no need to log on because He is available ALL the time and for all eternity? No password required. Take off the earplugs and the headsets, all we need to hear is Him!
So … if God had a Twitter account, He will probably tweet “What are you doing now? I am free anytime.” His MP3 will most likely play “I Will Be Here” and His Facebook shout out? “Let’s talk!”. His emoticon will be a big welcoming (and forgiving) smile and his text message – “I lOVE yOU!”

“May every family and Christian community use well this time of Lent, therefore, in order to cast aside all that distracts the spirit and grow in whatever nourishes the soul, moving it to love of God and neighbor.” – Lenten message, Pope Benedict XVI

THE JOY OF BEING A SALESIAN

Yeah... you see these youngsters... so full of life... they live with passion for life. They fight to win and enjoy moment of victory like they have conquered the world...
But for many of them real life is quite a different story. They are labeled as failures or good for nothing at times. They are accused of being worthless.
Give them little appreciation, love & encouragement and your see how their entire life is transformed... They forget the pain and take on the stage... rocking and turning the world upside down.

Young people need to be told that they are loved.
If you tell them that, then they will teach you how to live life.
I feel thrilled when I see them happy. I am a salesian working for the young.... but working with them is like learning how to be happy. I teach them how to live. They teach me how to live happily.
have you ever thought what it would be if you were called to be a Salesian
Think about it... it may be God telling you where to find true happiness... in the midst of young people.

That you are young is enough to make me love you very much.
-Don Bosco