Smart gadgets, not people

There is no stopping technology from offering us something “better” every day. People in various fields of research, aside from the lucrative possibilities of earning millions by selling newer and better products, claim that they want to make life simpler and better. And they are making this possible by offering us smart gadgets.

“Smart” means that the device will provide the person—this is truly important, but not indispensable—real-time information with a mere click or tap: weather and stocks forecasts, news, traffic updates, best restaurants and of course Facebook and e-mail access.

No one will contest that these features greatly facilitate many aspects of work, social relations and recreation. But isn’t it strange to know that many users are not even aware or don’t bother to know what their gadgets can really do?

A study shows that “35 percent of adults in the United States have apps or software programs on their cell phones now, but only 24 percent of them are actually using them; 11 percent of cell owners are not sure if their phone is equipped with apps.” (Suzanne Choney, “Pew Study: We’ve got phone apps, but not all of us are using them”) This means, the study concludes, that one  out of four Americans do not know that their cell phones have applications and do not maximize their device.

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Like these people who are ignorant about their gadgets’ capabilities, many Christians may live years without discovering what their faith really is and how it can transform them. They may have been baptized and have been acquainted with its rich, human and supernaturally transforming applications. Unfortunately, many end up growing old in their faith,  gradually get out of touch with it, are content with living its bare requirements or merely wear its aesthetical elements.

Sometimes, Christians simply reduce their spiritual life to avoiding sin. They forget that its dynamic center is intimacy with Jesus Christ. Once their faith has been reduced to a set of rules and regulations, their faith becomes dry, burdensome and fruitless.

In order to discover, or perhaps rediscover one’s faith, it is necessary to first realize and constantly rediscover that it is a gift from God. It was given to us on our baptism and nourished with the guidance of our parents. But  each one must learn to unwrap the gift and discover its personal contents. This is possible through (a) prayer, (b) personal study and (c) spiritual guidance.

Prayer is indispensable for acquiring a deeper understanding of the relevance of one’s faith. Here one can converse with Jesus about the truths of his faith. To converse means to make the contents of faith become a vital topic of our dialogue with Jesus. For example, His life read from Scripture, His teachings and examples. These very same topics can be brought up through their more expounded versions found in commentaries, homilies and catechisms.

Personal study helps one’s faith to grow and have a profound impact upon us. This is so when one considers the sublime nature of the Church’s teachings about man, family, society, work, ecology and even education. These truths constantly grow in their splendor and perennially help in man’s earthly and supernatural progress.

A study of the Church’s history from objective sources will also open one’s capacity to appreciate Her true nature: as a divinely instituted society whose end is to help all men find their way to God. Moreover, there are sources such as the scriptural teachings and the traditions handed to us by the first Christians. We can also add to this wealth the lives of the saints and their teachings that afford human and  spiritual enrichment.

One can also delve deeper into the nature of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession. This can be facilitated by using a great spiritual resource like the Catechism of the Church (and even today’s YOUCAT—Catechism for the Youth).

Finally, there is the rich source of spiritual guidance. One may avail of this spiritual resource from persons or individuals who are equipped with the spiritual and human maturity to help others grow and bear fruit in their spiritual life, work and family.

Benedict XVI recently emphasized this when he said, “Today the Church continues to recommend the practice of spiritual direction, not only to all those who wish to follow the Lord up close, but to every Christian who wishes to live responsibly his baptism, that is, the new life in Christ.” (Address, Pontifical Theological Faculty Teresianum, May 19, 2011)

If we take these steps to heart, our faith will not remain an aesthetical gadget limited only to following some abstract practices or norms. It becomes a light and flavor that helps show forth  the presence of God in us and in every reality that we touch!