Mass Media (pl.) – : a medium of communication (as newspapers, radio, or television) that is designed to reach the mass of the people
This definition of mass media has been around since about the 1920’s, but we can add the Internet to that list as well. Over the past few years Pope Benedict XVI has been asking and encouraging the use of the Internet as a form of evangelizing and greater learning.
Pope Benedict XVI makes many wonderful points in his message given for the 45th World Communications Day: Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age. I will admit that I was floored when I read his message and wanted to share it with you.
We who blog know of many of the resources that are available to share our stories with the rest of the world. We can type comfortably from our computers, laptops, iPads, or even yes, there is an app for that. Whether I am on the run, at work, or at home, I can reach out to the world around me and write. There are times when I feel like writing on a pad of paper and then transferring it to my computer, but more often than not I will now reach for my cell phone when I’m in a pinch.
What does this say about the role of traditional media in the world? I won’t lie, any news I get comes from the Internet. If I watch TV, I watch Netflix to watch what I want to watch. Most of my personal interactions happen over Skype or Facebook. I do call people frequently but for a short conversation, I use the Internet.
“Their ever greater involvement in the public digital forum, created by the so-called social networks, helps to establish new forms of interpersonal relations, influences self-awareness and therefore inevitably poses questions not only of how to act properly, but also about the authenticity of one’s own being.”
Pope Benedict XVI – Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age January 24, 2011
“[…] authenticity of one’s own being” so what is a Catholic to do? As Catholics we are entrusted with the truth of Jesus Christ, his mission, and the Church that he handed to the apostles. I also cannot sit behind my computer screen and promote a truth I do not believe in or live a non-Catholic life and write in defense of a Church that I do not believe in.
“I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Revelations 3: 15-16 NAB
As an inspiration of working in Catholic Media, Pope Benedict XVI, has this to say:
“First of all, we must be aware that the truth which we long to share does not derive its worth from its ‘popularity’ or from the amount of attention it receives. We must make it known in its integrity, instead of seeking to make it acceptable or diluting it. It must become daily nourishment and not a fleeting attraction. The truth of the Gospel is not something to be consumed or used superficially; rather it is a gift that calls for a free response.”
Pope Benedict XVI – Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age January 24, 2011
The “Good News” is a gift that asks for a free response, and this is mine. By joining in with those who work in Catholic Media through blogging and the Internet, I add my voice. As Catholic Media grows, my prayer is that it is truly something of substance and worth rather than bland, lukewarm clutter in the midst of the rest of the Internet.
Saints Charles Borremeo and Isadore of Seville, Patrons of computer users and the Internet, Pray for us.
Defined by Faith 