Remain in me

Two profound questions triggered my curiosity when I read Dan Brown’s 2017 mystery thriller, “The Origin”:

Where do we come from?
Where are we headed?

While the first question delves into the realms of science and religion to unravel the origins of life, the latter question draws us close to a reality that is unmistakably visible in our surroundings. It was prophesied that we are embracing the new kingdom called the ‘Technium’ which includes our overdependence on technology.

Technology kills off humanity. Edward Kirsch, a character in the story who is a billionaire philanthropist, proposed a terrifying hypothesis: that technology would eventually lead to humanity’s demise. He even argued for a symbiotic relationship between humans and technology, citing examples of people glued to their cell phones, immersed in virtual reality, or adorned with various gadgets. These early signs of symbiosis, ironically, originate from human ingenuity. Yet, the integration of technology into lives extends further, with advancement like brain-computer interfaces, as depicted in the 2022 TV series “Severance.” In this movie, microchips are implanted in employees’ brains to regulate their work-life balance that creates a distinct version of consciousness for work and personal life.

By contemplating on these developments, I raise these questions: How can our faith adapt to advancing technology? Amidst the convenience it offers, how do we remain attuned to our inner selves and spiritual guidance? Can we still nurture compassion and pursue our calling amidst the technological realm? Is it still possible to witness divine revelations in our daily lives? In my own life, I’ve noticed this phenomenon firsthand, as technology appears to control over certain aspects of my daily routine. For instance, upon waking up in the morning, I often find myself instinctively reaching for my phone to check for email or social media updates. Similarly, during family meals, I’ve caught myself idly scrolling through my phone simply to pass time.

I realized that I’ve been overlooking God’s gentle nudges and His invitation to be present with Him, even in the simplest moments of my day. I had confined my connection with the lord to Sunday Mass, where I could offer prayers following communion. Perhaps, this limited engagement is why I occasionally feel a sense of emptiness and lack the energy to pursue my passions. I forgot that it requires a humble heart to recognize God’s continuous presence, always knocking on the door of my heart.

Reflecting on the gospel of St. John, where Christ revealed himself multiple times to his disciples, we find an answer. Despite His divine nature, Christ did not merely settle for grand revelations; He engaged in ordinary acts, sharing meals and intimate moments with His disciples, demonstrating the importance of human connection in the spiritual journey. Christ’s revelations are a constant reminder of His compassion and faithfulness that despite life’s challenges, there is hope and love if we remain in Him. In communion with Him, we are all entrusted to a journey with the Holy Spirit that empowers us to carry our cross to love and serve our neighbors.

Perhaps, the primary obstacle hindering my ability to tune into His voice and presence is the constant access to and reliance on technological devices. Truly hearing the voice of Christ requires setting aside the phone, closing my laptop and actively being aware of His presence. When my daughter asks to spend time playing with her “cubby” together, it’s a clear sign of God’s call to nurture our family bonds.

Moreover, each day, I sense a gentle tug in my heart pushing me to reconnect with Him and share my reflections with others, echoing God’s words and greatness. It’s often surprising and almost miraculous how a simple question from my child can serve as a wake-up call. Once, while driving, she innocently inquired about “bacteria in the computer.” Correcting her, I explained it was a virus, which prompted her to ask if it was good or bad. When I clarified it was harmful and could disrupt my work, her witty response was: How delightful it would be if your laptop caught a virus; it would become ‘day off’ from work, and we could spend the entire day together. That statement from a six-year-old child struck me. It served as a reminder that even in the everyday moments, God’s messages can come through our loved ones, urging us to stay connected to Him and mindful of His presence.

Going back to the two profound questions posed earlier, I felt a sigh of relief as I recalled the solemnity of the Easter Vigil. I remembered my college days where I stood witness to the ritual of the blessing the Paschal candle during the Mass. The priest’s solemn utterance of the words seemed to offer a reflective answer to the existential questions in Dan Brown’s novel: “I am the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega.”

Finally, it is truly lovely to embrace such a promise, as we remain in Him and overcome the challenges posed by technological advancements and their impact on our relationships with one another. (Francis Manayan)