Saturday, January 25, 2014
HBO's True Detective: Episode 3, Sneak Peek
True Detective is written by Nic Pizzolatto and directed by Cary Fukunaga. It centers on two detectives, Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson), whose lives collide and entwine during a seventeen-year hunt for a serial killer in Louisiana. The investigation of a bizarre murder in 1995 is framed and interlaced with testimony from the detectives in 2012, when the case has been reopened.
Watch new episodes of True Detective every Sunday at 9PM, only on HBO.
Watch new episodes of True Detective every Sunday at 9PM, only on HBO.
Connect with True Detective:
Find True Detective on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TrueDetective
Find True Detective on Instagram:http://instagram.com/truedetective
Find True Detective Site: http://itsh.bo/17If8V5
Follow @HBO on Twitter: http://Twitter.com/HBO Use #TrueDetective to join the conversation
CPK Will Help You Prepare For The Big Game
Make any Party Super with CPK! | |
Purchase $150 in take-out or catering and receive a
Free Small Sweets Platter.
| |
| Valid now through February 2, 2014. | |
| Valid for catering or take-out orders. Valid at the following NY/NJ CPK locations ONLY: Westbury, Scarsdale, Westfield Garden State Plaza, Walt Whitman Mall, Willowbrook Mall, The Shops at Atlas Park, The Mall at Short Hills, Park Avenue South, Cherry Hill Mall, Smith Haven Mall, and Bridgewater Commons. Limit three free sweets trays per order. | |
 | |
| ORDER ONLINE OR VISIT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN | |
| Cherry Hill Mall 2000 Rte 38, Ste 1025 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 (856) 910-8121 | |
Mary Pat Christie Announces College Scholarships
New Jersey's First Lady Mary Pat Christie today announced the second annual Spirit of a Hero Scholarship for students graduating from high school. The $5,000 scholarships, which build upon an earlier program for military veterans, continue the Christie Administration’s commitment to assist New Jersey students pursuing post-secondary education opportunities.
“Last year’s program was overwhelmingly successful. We had more than 700 applications from so many deserving young people,” said Mrs. Christie. “Each of the twenty awardees made significant contributions to their respective communities – from delivering meals to the homeless in Newark to creating a kids cancer fund and volunteering with families of autistic children. All of their good work continues to help improve the lives of strangers, family and friends. With the Spirit of a Hero Scholarship program, we hope to once again provide deserving students with the ability to achieve their career dreams.”
To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must meet several criteria, including a demonstrated commitment to volunteerism and community contribution; be a New Jersey resident and U.S. Citizen; submission of a high school transcript and a letter of recommendation from a current teacher or advisor; be in good academic standing with their secondary school and enroll as a student at an accredited college/university or a vocational training school in the 2014-2015 school year (Fall or Spring Semester).
Application forms are available online at the New Jersey Heroes website by clicking on http://newjerseyheroes.org/index/2014-spirit-of-a-hero-scholarship-application-form/. The application deadline is Friday, March 21, 2014. Applicants must fully complete the form by no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2014 or submit an application via US Mail postmarked no later than March 21, 2014 and mailed to NJ Heroes, P.O. Box 95, Mendham, NJ 07945-0095. Recipients of the scholarships will be notified in May.
“New Jersey Heroes honors the inspiring work being done by individuals and non-profit organizations across the Garden State,” added Mrs. Christie. “In that same spirit, the recipients of the Spirit of a Hero Scholarship will continue to embody these same ideals through student volunteerism and community service.”
New Jersey Heroes is an initiative of First Lady Mary Pat Christie that showcases the positive and unique ways people and organizations are impacting New Jersey and their communities. To nominate a hero, go to http://newjerseyheroes.org/index/ and follow the application instructions to submit the person you believe is a true New Jersey Hero.
“Last year’s program was overwhelmingly successful. We had more than 700 applications from so many deserving young people,” said Mrs. Christie. “Each of the twenty awardees made significant contributions to their respective communities – from delivering meals to the homeless in Newark to creating a kids cancer fund and volunteering with families of autistic children. All of their good work continues to help improve the lives of strangers, family and friends. With the Spirit of a Hero Scholarship program, we hope to once again provide deserving students with the ability to achieve their career dreams.”
To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must meet several criteria, including a demonstrated commitment to volunteerism and community contribution; be a New Jersey resident and U.S. Citizen; submission of a high school transcript and a letter of recommendation from a current teacher or advisor; be in good academic standing with their secondary school and enroll as a student at an accredited college/university or a vocational training school in the 2014-2015 school year (Fall or Spring Semester).
Application forms are available online at the New Jersey Heroes website by clicking on http://newjerseyheroes.org/index/2014-spirit-of-a-hero-scholarship-application-form/. The application deadline is Friday, March 21, 2014. Applicants must fully complete the form by no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2014 or submit an application via US Mail postmarked no later than March 21, 2014 and mailed to NJ Heroes, P.O. Box 95, Mendham, NJ 07945-0095. Recipients of the scholarships will be notified in May.
“New Jersey Heroes honors the inspiring work being done by individuals and non-profit organizations across the Garden State,” added Mrs. Christie. “In that same spirit, the recipients of the Spirit of a Hero Scholarship will continue to embody these same ideals through student volunteerism and community service.”
New Jersey Heroes is an initiative of First Lady Mary Pat Christie that showcases the positive and unique ways people and organizations are impacting New Jersey and their communities. To nominate a hero, go to http://newjerseyheroes.org/index/ and follow the application instructions to submit the person you believe is a true New Jersey Hero.
Top Five Posts, And Thanks To Hughe Dillon!
We want to thank Philly's premier social photographer, the great Hughe Dillon for retweeting a link to one of our posts (the one about David Borneaz) and making it the most-read post of the past week.
Hughe is a Philadelphia treasure and his Philly Chit Chat as well as his regular feature in Philadelphia magazine are avidly read by anyone and everyone who wants the lowdown of what's really happening and who's really who in Philadelphia and its environs.
Hughe is not only an outstanding photo journalist and classy chronicler but he's also one of the hardest-working and nicest people we know and we're delighted to be retweeted by him and thrilled with his success.
Thanks, Hughe.
No, here are our top five posts of the past week:
Hughe is a Philadelphia treasure and his Philly Chit Chat as well as his regular feature in Philadelphia magazine are avidly read by anyone and everyone who wants the lowdown of what's really happening and who's really who in Philadelphia and its environs.
Hughe is not only an outstanding photo journalist and classy chronicler but he's also one of the hardest-working and nicest people we know and we're delighted to be retweeted by him and thrilled with his success.
Thanks, Hughe.
No, here are our top five posts of the past week:
Posts |
Friday, January 24, 2014
Christie Video: It's About Children And Families
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie at the Dudley elementary school in Camden yesterday.
Katy Perry Adds Second Philly Show, 8/5
Due to an overwhelming demand, 11-time GRAMMY® nominated recording artist, and international superstar Katy Perry has added a second show (in addition to her previously scheduled Monday, August 4 date) at the Wells Fargo Center as part of her highly anticipated Prismatic World Tour. The newly added date is on Tuesday, August 5.
Perry will be touring in support of PRISM, which debuted at number one on The Billboard 200 and remains in the Top Ten three months after release. The platinum album has given Katy her biggest ever single with "Roar", while "Dark Horse" just became her lucky 13th Top Ten hit on The Billboard Hot 100.
The 11-time GRAMMY® nominated singer cemented her status as a best-selling superstar with the global success of her second studio album, Teenage Dream, which debuted at No. 1 in 8 countries and spent over two years on Billboard's Top 200 album sales chart. She became the only female artist to have 5 No. 1 singles from one album on the Billboard Hot 100 chart ("California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," "Firework," "E.T." and "Last Friday Night"). The special edition, Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection, added "Part of Me" and "Wide Awake" to Katy's list of nine Top 40 chart-toppers (dating back to her multi-platinum debut album, 2008's One of the Boys, which generated four hit singles: "I Kissed A Girl," "Hot N Cold," "Thinking of You" and "Waking Up In Vegas").
THE PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR is Perry's first tour since 2011's sold-out California Dreams Tour, which was the subject of 2012's 3D feature film, Katy Perry: Part Of Me, the fifth biggest music documentary of all time.
The state-of-the art stage, specifically designed by Katy for THE PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR, allows her to get closer to her fans than ever before. The one-of-a-kind set design will provide concert-goers with a truly magical experience from every angle in the arena. Ticket offerings include a limited number of general admission tickets in the intimate “Reflection Section”.
For exclusive backstage info and pictures follow Katy at @WellsFargoCtr. Join the conversation about this concert at #WFCKatyPerry.
Christie Announces New Program For Camden Schools
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie yesterday joined Camden Mayor Dana Redd and Superintendent of Schools Paymon Rouhanifard to announce a new pilot program that will help Camden students in need and their families. The After School Dinner Program, in partnership with ARAMARK, is being offered to all students at six participating schools in the district: Dudley Elementary; Octavius V. Catto School; HB Wilson Elementary; Hatch Family School; U.S. Wiggins School; and Camden High School.
“In Camden, we are beginning to see real progress on education issues from creating safety corridors to tackling the problem of high-school drop-outs,” said Governor Christie. “This new After School Dinner Pilot Program is another innovative way to ensure children have an opportunity for a nourishing meal, which is a critical element to improving student performance and achievement.”
The new pilot program currently has 75-125 student participants a day at each of the six schools. Meals are pre-packed prior to serving and consist of hot food items. Students only have to select fruit and milk. Dinner service begins at 3:30 p.m. and ends by 4:00 p.m.
"The After School Dinner Pilot Program is a great initiative that will truly help many of our Camden families who are working hard to provide basic necessities for their children," Mayor Redd said. "I am confident that the success of the pilot program will eventually allow us to extend it citywide. I thank the Governor and Superintendent for their continued commitment and support to our Camden children and families."
Studies have shown that missing a meal or experiencing hunger can impact student academic performance and behavior - from lower test scores and repeating grade levels to tardiness and increased school absences.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this new pilot program to our students,” said Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard. “There is no doubt that nutrition is critically important to the health and success of our students.”
Under Superintendent Rouhanifard, Camden is making important educational strides in just a few short months, including:
· The formation of a safety-corridor initiative that creates safe walking routes for students to and from school;
· Tackling the issue of the district’s school drop-outs by going door-to-door to re-enroll students;
· The creation of three new technology demonstration centers to give students access to computer labs and tools needed to prepare for success in a 21st century economy;
· A successful 100-day listening tour which resulted in the participation of hundreds of students, parents and community members who came together on behalf of the future Camden and its schoolchildren.
“In Camden, we are beginning to see real progress on education issues from creating safety corridors to tackling the problem of high-school drop-outs,” said Governor Christie. “This new After School Dinner Pilot Program is another innovative way to ensure children have an opportunity for a nourishing meal, which is a critical element to improving student performance and achievement.”
The new pilot program currently has 75-125 student participants a day at each of the six schools. Meals are pre-packed prior to serving and consist of hot food items. Students only have to select fruit and milk. Dinner service begins at 3:30 p.m. and ends by 4:00 p.m.
"The After School Dinner Pilot Program is a great initiative that will truly help many of our Camden families who are working hard to provide basic necessities for their children," Mayor Redd said. "I am confident that the success of the pilot program will eventually allow us to extend it citywide. I thank the Governor and Superintendent for their continued commitment and support to our Camden children and families."
Studies have shown that missing a meal or experiencing hunger can impact student academic performance and behavior - from lower test scores and repeating grade levels to tardiness and increased school absences.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this new pilot program to our students,” said Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard. “There is no doubt that nutrition is critically important to the health and success of our students.”
Under Superintendent Rouhanifard, Camden is making important educational strides in just a few short months, including:
· The formation of a safety-corridor initiative that creates safe walking routes for students to and from school;
· Tackling the issue of the district’s school drop-outs by going door-to-door to re-enroll students;
· The creation of three new technology demonstration centers to give students access to computer labs and tools needed to prepare for success in a 21st century economy;
· A successful 100-day listening tour which resulted in the participation of hundreds of students, parents and community members who came together on behalf of the future Camden and its schoolchildren.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Pope Embraces Social Media, Warns Against Abuse
Communication at the service of an authentic culture of encounter” is the title of Pope Francis' message for the 48th World Day of Social Communications, the only world day established by Vatican Council II (Inter Mirifica, 1963), which is celebrated on the Sunday before the feast of Pentecost (which falls on 1 June 2014). The message is dated 24 January, memorial of St. Francis of Sales, patron saint of communicators. The full text of the message is published below:
“Dear Brothers and Sisters,
“Today we are living in a world which is growing ever 'smaller' and where, as a result, it would seem to be easier for all of us to be neighbours. Developments in travel and communications technology are bringing us closer together and making us more connected, even as globalization makes us increasingly interdependent. Nonetheless, divisions, which are sometimes quite deep, continue to exist within our human family. On the global level we see a scandalous gap between the opulence of the wealthy and the utter destitution of the poor. Often we need only walk the streets of a city to see the contrast between people living on the street and the brilliant lights of the store windows. We have become so accustomed to these things that they no longer unsettle us.
Our world suffers from many forms of exclusion, marginalization and poverty, to say nothing of conflicts born of a combination of economic, political, ideological, and, sadly, even religious motives.
“In a world like this, media can help us to feel closer to one another, creating a sense of the unity of the human family which can in turn inspire solidarity and serious efforts to ensure a more dignified life for all. Good communication helps us to grow closer, to know one another better, and ultimately, to grow in unity.
The walls which divide us can be broken down only if we are prepared to listen and learn from one another. We need to resolve our differences through forms of dialogue which help us grow in understanding and mutual respect. A culture of encounter demands that we be ready not only to give, but also to receive. Media can help us greatly in this, especially nowadays, when the networks of human communication have made unprecedented advances. The internet, in particular, offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is something truly good, a gift from God.
“This is not to say that certain problems do not exist. The speed with which information is communicated exceeds our capacity for reflection and judgement, and this does not make for more balanced and proper forms of self-expression. The variety of opinions being aired can be seen as helpful, but it also enables people to barricade themselves behind sources of information which only confirm their own wishes and ideas, or political and economic interests. The world of communications can help us either to expand our knowledge or to lose our bearings. The desire for digital connectivity can have the effect of isolating us from our neighbours, from those closest to us. We should not overlook the fact that those who for whatever reason lack access to social media run the risk of being left behind.
“While these drawbacks are real, they do not justify rejecting social media; rather, they remind us that communication is ultimately a human rather than technological achievement.
What is it, then, that helps us, in the digital environment, to grow in humanity and mutual understanding? We need, for example, to recover a certain sense of deliberateness and calm. This calls for time and the ability to be silent and to listen. We need also to be patient if we want to understand those who are different from us. People only express themselves fully when they are not merely tolerated, but know that they are truly accepted. If we are genuinely attentive in listening to others, we will learn to look at the world with different eyes and come to appreciate the richness of human experience as manifested in different cultures and traditions.
We will also learn to appreciate more fully the important values inspired by Christianity, such as the vision of the human person, the nature of marriage and the family, the proper distinction between the religious and political spheres, the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, and many others.
“How, then, can communication be at the service of an authentic culture of encounter? What does it mean for us, as disciples of the Lord, to encounter others in the light of the Gospel? In spite of our own limitations and sinfulness, how do we draw truly close to one another? These questions are summed up in what a scribe – a communicator – once asked Jesus: 'And who is my neighbour?' (Lk 10:29). This question can help us to see communication in terms of 'neighbourliness'.
We might paraphrase the question in this way: How can we be 'neighbourly' in our use of the communications media and in the new environment created by digital technology? I find an answer in the parable of the Good Samaritan, which is also a parable about communication. Those who communicate, in effect, become neighbours. The Good Samaritan not only draws nearer to the man he finds half dead on the side of the road; he takes responsibility for him. Jesus shifts our understanding: it is not just about seeing the other as someone like myself, but of the ability to make myself like the other. Communication is really about realizing that we are all human beings, children of God. I like seeing this power of communication as 'neighborliness'.
“Whenever communication is primarily aimed at promoting consumption or manipulating others, we are dealing with a form of violent aggression like that suffered by the man in the parable, who was beaten by robbers and left abandoned on the road. The Levite and the priest do not regard him as a neighbour, but as a stranger to be kept at a distance. In those days, it was rules of ritual purity which conditioned their response. Nowadays there is a danger that certain media so condition our responses that we fail to see our real neighbor.
“It is not enough to be passers-by on the digital highways, simply 'connected'; connections need to grow into true encounters. We cannot live apart, closed in on ourselves. We need to love and to be loved. We need tenderness. Media strategies do not ensure beauty, goodness and truth in communication. The world of media also has to be concerned with humanity, it too is called to show tenderness. The digital world can be an environment rich in humanity; a network not of wires but of people. The impartiality of media is merely an appearance; only those who go out of themselves in their communication can become a true point of reference for others. Personal engagement is the basis of the trustworthiness of a communicator. Christian witness, thanks to the internet, can thereby reach the peripheries of human existence.
“As I have frequently observed, if a choice has to be made between a bruised Church which goes out to the streets and a Church suffering from self-absorption, I certainly prefer the first. Those 'streets' are the world where people live and where they can be reached, both effectively and affectively. The digital highway is one of them, a street teeming with people who are often hurting, men and women looking for salvation or hope. By means of the internet, the Christian message can reach 'to the ends of the earth' (Acts 1:8).
Keeping the doors of our churches open also means keeping them open in the digital environment so that people, whatever their situation in life, can enter, and so that the Gospel can go out to reach everyone. We are called to show that the Church is the home of all. Are we capable of communicating the image of such a Church? Communication is a means of expressing the missionary vocation of the entire Church; today the social networks are one way to experience this call to discover the beauty of faith, the beauty of encountering Christ. In the area of communications too, we need a Church capable of bringing warmth and of stirring hearts.
“Effective Christian witness is not about bombarding people with religious messages, but about our willingness to be available to others 'by patiently and respectfully engaging their questions and their doubts as they advance in their search for the truth and the meaning of human existence' (BENEDICT XVI, Message for the 47th World Communications Day, 2013).
We need but recall the story of the disciples on the way to Emmaus. We have to be able to dialogue with the men and women of today, to understand their expectations, doubts and hopes, and to bring them the Gospel, Jesus Christ himself, God incarnate, who died and rose to free us from sin and death. We are challenged to be people of depth, attentive to what is happening around us and spiritually alert. To dialogue means to believe that the 'other' has something worthwhile to say, and to entertain his or her point of view and perspective. Engaging in dialogue does not mean renouncing our own ideas and traditions, but the claim that they alone are valid or absolute.
“May the image of the Good Samaritan who tended to the wounds of the injured man by pouring oil and wine over them be our inspiration. Let our communication be a balm which relieves pain and a fine wine which gladdens hearts. May the light we bring to others not be the result of cosmetics or special effects, but rather of our being loving and merciful 'neighbours' to those wounded and left on the side of the road. Let us boldly become citizens of the digital world. The Church needs to be concerned for, and present in, the world of communication, in order to dialogue with people today and to help them encounter Christ. She needs to be a Church at the side of others, capable of accompanying everyone along the way. The revolution taking place in communications media and in information technologies represents a great and thrilling challenge; may we respond to that challenge with fresh energy and imagination as we seek to share with others the beauty of God.”
“Dear Brothers and Sisters,
“Today we are living in a world which is growing ever 'smaller' and where, as a result, it would seem to be easier for all of us to be neighbours. Developments in travel and communications technology are bringing us closer together and making us more connected, even as globalization makes us increasingly interdependent. Nonetheless, divisions, which are sometimes quite deep, continue to exist within our human family. On the global level we see a scandalous gap between the opulence of the wealthy and the utter destitution of the poor. Often we need only walk the streets of a city to see the contrast between people living on the street and the brilliant lights of the store windows. We have become so accustomed to these things that they no longer unsettle us.
Our world suffers from many forms of exclusion, marginalization and poverty, to say nothing of conflicts born of a combination of economic, political, ideological, and, sadly, even religious motives.
“In a world like this, media can help us to feel closer to one another, creating a sense of the unity of the human family which can in turn inspire solidarity and serious efforts to ensure a more dignified life for all. Good communication helps us to grow closer, to know one another better, and ultimately, to grow in unity.
The walls which divide us can be broken down only if we are prepared to listen and learn from one another. We need to resolve our differences through forms of dialogue which help us grow in understanding and mutual respect. A culture of encounter demands that we be ready not only to give, but also to receive. Media can help us greatly in this, especially nowadays, when the networks of human communication have made unprecedented advances. The internet, in particular, offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is something truly good, a gift from God.
“This is not to say that certain problems do not exist. The speed with which information is communicated exceeds our capacity for reflection and judgement, and this does not make for more balanced and proper forms of self-expression. The variety of opinions being aired can be seen as helpful, but it also enables people to barricade themselves behind sources of information which only confirm their own wishes and ideas, or political and economic interests. The world of communications can help us either to expand our knowledge or to lose our bearings. The desire for digital connectivity can have the effect of isolating us from our neighbours, from those closest to us. We should not overlook the fact that those who for whatever reason lack access to social media run the risk of being left behind.
“While these drawbacks are real, they do not justify rejecting social media; rather, they remind us that communication is ultimately a human rather than technological achievement.
What is it, then, that helps us, in the digital environment, to grow in humanity and mutual understanding? We need, for example, to recover a certain sense of deliberateness and calm. This calls for time and the ability to be silent and to listen. We need also to be patient if we want to understand those who are different from us. People only express themselves fully when they are not merely tolerated, but know that they are truly accepted. If we are genuinely attentive in listening to others, we will learn to look at the world with different eyes and come to appreciate the richness of human experience as manifested in different cultures and traditions.
We will also learn to appreciate more fully the important values inspired by Christianity, such as the vision of the human person, the nature of marriage and the family, the proper distinction between the religious and political spheres, the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, and many others.
“How, then, can communication be at the service of an authentic culture of encounter? What does it mean for us, as disciples of the Lord, to encounter others in the light of the Gospel? In spite of our own limitations and sinfulness, how do we draw truly close to one another? These questions are summed up in what a scribe – a communicator – once asked Jesus: 'And who is my neighbour?' (Lk 10:29). This question can help us to see communication in terms of 'neighbourliness'.
We might paraphrase the question in this way: How can we be 'neighbourly' in our use of the communications media and in the new environment created by digital technology? I find an answer in the parable of the Good Samaritan, which is also a parable about communication. Those who communicate, in effect, become neighbours. The Good Samaritan not only draws nearer to the man he finds half dead on the side of the road; he takes responsibility for him. Jesus shifts our understanding: it is not just about seeing the other as someone like myself, but of the ability to make myself like the other. Communication is really about realizing that we are all human beings, children of God. I like seeing this power of communication as 'neighborliness'.
“Whenever communication is primarily aimed at promoting consumption or manipulating others, we are dealing with a form of violent aggression like that suffered by the man in the parable, who was beaten by robbers and left abandoned on the road. The Levite and the priest do not regard him as a neighbour, but as a stranger to be kept at a distance. In those days, it was rules of ritual purity which conditioned their response. Nowadays there is a danger that certain media so condition our responses that we fail to see our real neighbor.
“It is not enough to be passers-by on the digital highways, simply 'connected'; connections need to grow into true encounters. We cannot live apart, closed in on ourselves. We need to love and to be loved. We need tenderness. Media strategies do not ensure beauty, goodness and truth in communication. The world of media also has to be concerned with humanity, it too is called to show tenderness. The digital world can be an environment rich in humanity; a network not of wires but of people. The impartiality of media is merely an appearance; only those who go out of themselves in their communication can become a true point of reference for others. Personal engagement is the basis of the trustworthiness of a communicator. Christian witness, thanks to the internet, can thereby reach the peripheries of human existence.
“As I have frequently observed, if a choice has to be made between a bruised Church which goes out to the streets and a Church suffering from self-absorption, I certainly prefer the first. Those 'streets' are the world where people live and where they can be reached, both effectively and affectively. The digital highway is one of them, a street teeming with people who are often hurting, men and women looking for salvation or hope. By means of the internet, the Christian message can reach 'to the ends of the earth' (Acts 1:8).
Keeping the doors of our churches open also means keeping them open in the digital environment so that people, whatever their situation in life, can enter, and so that the Gospel can go out to reach everyone. We are called to show that the Church is the home of all. Are we capable of communicating the image of such a Church? Communication is a means of expressing the missionary vocation of the entire Church; today the social networks are one way to experience this call to discover the beauty of faith, the beauty of encountering Christ. In the area of communications too, we need a Church capable of bringing warmth and of stirring hearts.
“Effective Christian witness is not about bombarding people with religious messages, but about our willingness to be available to others 'by patiently and respectfully engaging their questions and their doubts as they advance in their search for the truth and the meaning of human existence' (BENEDICT XVI, Message for the 47th World Communications Day, 2013).
We need but recall the story of the disciples on the way to Emmaus. We have to be able to dialogue with the men and women of today, to understand their expectations, doubts and hopes, and to bring them the Gospel, Jesus Christ himself, God incarnate, who died and rose to free us from sin and death. We are challenged to be people of depth, attentive to what is happening around us and spiritually alert. To dialogue means to believe that the 'other' has something worthwhile to say, and to entertain his or her point of view and perspective. Engaging in dialogue does not mean renouncing our own ideas and traditions, but the claim that they alone are valid or absolute.
“May the image of the Good Samaritan who tended to the wounds of the injured man by pouring oil and wine over them be our inspiration. Let our communication be a balm which relieves pain and a fine wine which gladdens hearts. May the light we bring to others not be the result of cosmetics or special effects, but rather of our being loving and merciful 'neighbours' to those wounded and left on the side of the road. Let us boldly become citizens of the digital world. The Church needs to be concerned for, and present in, the world of communication, in order to dialogue with people today and to help them encounter Christ. She needs to be a Church at the side of others, capable of accompanying everyone along the way. The revolution taking place in communications media and in information technologies represents a great and thrilling challenge; may we respond to that challenge with fresh energy and imagination as we seek to share with others the beauty of God.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)