Word Made Flesh

Cardinal William Burke, Prefect of the Apostolic Signature, recently spoke at a conference in Rome, for those working in the field of Catholic communications.  It is interesting to note that Burke was the developer of the "Dead Theologian Society."  This is a study group for young people centered on the lives of the Saints and holy men and women throughout the ages.  In speaking about the media, Cardinal Burke reminded his listeners of the awesome responsibility that they have in providing information and promoting the Gospel.  As a Church we can use the media for catechesis and evangelization.  There is a lot of good that can come out of the various media available to us.

John Paul II was a prolific writer, with a long list of published books.  He is probably one of the only Popes to have a comic book series based on his life.  Benedict XVI has a Twitter account, and often Tweets messages and information.  While the Apostles used the methods available to them at the time, they certainly might have used the Internet if it were available to them.

Some of my classmates from eastern dioceses had days in which they were "on-call" in the rectory.  They were in houses with two or three other priests, and at least twice a week they had to stay in the rectory.  So people stopping for everything from a blessing to reconciliation would have a priest available to them.  This is an older model, but makes me wonder whether there is a better way to communicate the Gospel rather than sitting in a office all day.  Even the Apostles went from town to town.

We are fortunate today to have a large amount texts, DVDs, CDs, and the Internet to guide and direct our inquiries and our faith life.  Too often we take to looking up the end of the world motifs or some equally out of the ordinary topics.  But what a great way to enhance our faith and religious life than to read commentaries of one of St. Paul's letters, or than to do an online retreat.  Cardinal Burke recommended that we avoid those materials that are negative to Christianity.  While it is good to know what the complaints are, it is important to be nurtured by healthy and succinct material.

Catholic media has come a long way from the Catholic newspaper and Faith and Freedom readers.  There is a wealth of information that we can take home with us.  Even more so, it is important that we stay informed about the current issues and challenges of our Church and our world.  Being Catholic means to have our sights set on heaven with our feet firmly planted upon the earth.  That pathway is made evident when it is well informed.