Post 2013 Mother's Day Reflection and 47th World Communications Day.
I was so pleased to see the overwhelming gesture of love and appreciation for mothers over the internet especially on Facebook during the weekend of May 11-12, 2013. Obviously this gesture was due to the Mother's Day celebration but still I was touched because when I looked at the notifications on my Facebook, I saw many of my friends change their profile picture into a picture of either their mum or with their mothers. And many posted messages and status updates thanking and expressing their love for their mothers.
I did see a few people putting up updates commenting and reminding others that this sign of one's expression of love for mothers is not a one day thingy but to be shown on all days. Though I must agree with them but I still feel that it is alright and this way of expressing love for mothers is a positive sign and not any superficial expression. I felt like telling those people who were negative about this to just let it be and allow the rest to express it. This expression of love for mothers or fathers or teachers, etc over the Facebook or any form of media is not only a sign or message for the particular directed receiver but it can also be a means of testimony. Someone else after reading the posts may have more love and appreciation for his or her mother. I believe this is the same sentiments that we find in the message of the Pope for the 47th World Communications Day held yesterday which was overshadowed by the Mother's Day celebrations. 
The Pope also says that "The development of social networks calls for commitment: people
are engaged in building relationships and making friends, in looking for answers
to their questions and being entertained, but also in finding intellectual
stimulation and sharing knowledge and know-how. The networks are increasingly
becoming part of the very fabric of society, inasmuch as they bring people
together on the basis of these fundamental needs. Social networks are thus
nourished by aspirations rooted in the human heart." The Pope says further that social networks can be opportunities to share their profound source of hope, joy and faith in the merciful and loving God revealed in Jesus Christ. The Pope continues and I quote "This sharing consists not only in the explicit
expression of their faith, but also in their witness, in the way in which they
communicate choices, preferences and judgements that are fully consistent with
the Gospel, even when it is not spoken of specifically”
Lately we find a lot of dialogues and debates on various issues over Facebook. This can be a good sign but also it can lead to misunderstanding, arguments and confusion. The Pope in his message has this to say; "The social
media thus need the commitment of all who are conscious of the value of dialogue,
reasoned debate and logical argumentation; of people who strive to cultivate
forms of discourse and expression which appeal to the noblest aspirations of
those engaged in the communication process. Dialogue and debate can also
flourish and grow when we converse with and take seriously people whose ideas
are different from our own. Given the reality of cultural diversity, people
need not only to accept the existence of the culture of others, but also to
aspire to be enriched by it and to offer to it whatever they possess that is
good, true and beautiful”.
Click here for a read of the full text of the Pope's message. It's a good read indeed. And not to worry, it is short and easy to understand.
