Reflection - spreading love rather than negativity and hate

 

I follow a group on Facebook called Sancta Familia, which is a communications and evangelization group operating out of the Diocese of Motherwell just outside of Glassgow, Scotland.  This Catholic communication group had been struggling to find their niche in the world of ministry, but during the pandemic, with the streaming of Masses, weddings, and funerals, they have found that their services and expertise are very much in need.  They also advise parishes and Catholic groups as to how they can use the internet and technology to reach out to their parishioners.  It is interesting how through the struggles and challenges of the pandemic, they have found a way to reach out to others and to flourish in their ministry.  

We can dwell on a lot of negativity right now, can't we?  Many of us can get very stressed out at times. Many of us have seen a very much increased workload during the pandemic and little opportunity to get away to rest or relax or unwind.   During the pandemic, we are having to rely on technology for so many things.  We are not able to meet in person and do things the ways we have done them in the past.  But, let us think about the blessings of technology.   Without technology we would not be able to stream the Masses.  We would not be able to have drive-in Mass without the FM transmitter we use.  I have attended virtual conferences during the pandemic that have been streamed in the virtual world from Milwaukee, Denver, Los Angeles, Philidelphia, New Orleans, and even Rome, just to name a few of the places.  If they had been held in person, the cost and the distance would have prohibited me from attending any of them.  

We need to look at our blessings.  We need to encourage each other.  We need to continue to make an effort and not give up.  Our lives of faith are not all about ourselves.  How are we reaching out to others?  How can we make a difference?  

For quite a while now, we have been a very divided society.  We are a very divided country.  We are a very divided world.  Are we mired in negativity and hatred?  Or are we willing to engage in dialogue and to sow seeds of compassion, understanding, and love?