October 23, 2004
As some of you may already know, every friar in our community is required to spend one week in solitude once a year. Believe me, this is not a rule the friars tend to bend a bit – we love having that time alone, to sleep-in a bit and to read and pray a lot. It’s refreshing; but in terms of the news, I’m a bit “out of the loop” which, to some people, is an unforgivable mortal sin.
In today’s high-tech age of communication, it seems like everyone must know everything about every event. People are “drowning” in a sea of information which you can get personally and immediately thanks to personal computers and cell phones. It’s interesting to note that while we may not know our next-door neighbors, we can be intimately and emotionally involved with people and events on the other side of the world!
In the forties television appeared on the scene and by the late fifties it became part of almost every living room in the country. By the sixties, transistors replaced the vacuum tube and plastic replaced the wood making both radios and televisions light and portable. Soon bedrooms – even bathrooms – would have the now familiar screen in varying sizes. Now in the new century, after the wedding of the computer and the micro chip, we now can hang our television on the wall and very soon may be able to wear one right on our wrist!
While it is true that technology has made communication quick and convenient - bringing almost everyone into the “information loop”, there is certainly an increase in anxiety and stress. How often do we hear people say, “When we had less and knew less, life was easier”.
Well, after one week in a hermitage overlooking a lake, I’m now really refreshed. I feel more focused and peaceful. I was out in the fresh air and sensed the presence of God. I also didn’t even think of praying for our Bronx Bombers. By the way, how’s the series goin’?
Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Community servant, residing at St. Felix Friary in Yonkers
________________________________________________________________________________
www.franciscanfriars.com |
comments:
father benedict @
franciscanfriars.com |
