I realize that I have been indulging a very real fault. Over the years I have allowed myself the luxury of giving in to a curmudgeonly nature, and of wasting time arguing and debating to no purpose, wasting time, offending people because the tone of my comments was too short. I have felt justified, even self-righteous because, I told myself, these are not merely political matters: They are matters of justice. Therefore, crying out must be in the spirit of the prophets. In fact, I believe that I was right about current events and the importance of justice, but wrong in my manner of communication. I was surprised recently by posts on my own Facebook page, some that were posted there by others, yes (and I warned one of my Facebook "friends" that I would block him if he did it again unless to say Happy Birthday), but too many of my own posts had the potential to cause unnecessary offense. It was as if I had not seen them before.
My brother, Addison, also a priest who lives in Norway and has recently converted to Orthodoxy at the age of sixty-nine, spoke very wisely to me, and pointed out that one of the dangers of social media is that it gives us the illusion that what we say will matter, that we have power to effect real change. But, among millions of voices, we do not. In many ways it can impair our judgment, and all too often it has impaired mine, I ask forgiveness from any and all who have ever been offended.
Fr. Hart
I forgive, and I ask your forgiveness (and prayers.)
ReplyDeleteWhilst I agree that social media can make us overestimate our impact and actively discourages us from keeping our anger and rhetoric within just and charitable bounds, I do not think we should assume our voices have no potential to help or hinder the advance of the Kingdom of light. Even if only as small parts of a larger chorus, a difference can be made for good or ill.
ReplyDeleteBut we need to remind ourselves to "speak the truth in love" and prioritise humility as much as we do "being right". I say this more to myself than to you, Father, as I know how much I have to try to restrain wrath when I perceive injustice or foolishness. May God have mercy on us all in these troubled times and help us combine charity, wisdom, courage and gentleness.
To correct someone whose rude comment was anonymous and not approved, the ACC has not "taken action." I simply became aware of a fault I had.
ReplyDelete