Although there are all types of electric light, the hearts and souls of many human beings remain in complete darkness or are very dimly lighted. Neon signs and other artificial illumination confuse many. It is easy to make typographical and grammatical errors; detecting them is sometimes easy, sometimes difficult; it is easy to make mistakes and to sin; discovering sin is sometimes easy, sometimes difficult. Sin prefers the darkness, tries to cover each willing heart with a balmy blindness, momentarily calming and pleasant but then leaves us agitated and anxious.
The current generation enjoys the repentance of their neighbors; the media has turned this into a spectacle, a cheap entertainment where the mistakes and failings are illuminated not for education or erudition but to satisfy a moribund curiosity. This is the time when false principles and all types of fallacies rule; opinion dominates fact; instant deductions are preferable to intense contemplation. The scientific method is applied to everything.
The current generation has been taught to view confession lightly, for titillation. For newspapers and television talk shows frequently have people confessing some moment of weakness, despair, interpersonal destructiveness. There is sometimes talk of regret, sadness; however, there often is a question of true contrition. Sometimes after the confession there is forgiveness. But, then there is a commercial break and life continues.
Jesus Christ needs to be inserted into the consciousness of this modern generation. His life and ministry should be studied by all human beings. His character and obedience should be models for all.
This modern generation worships wealth and celebrity; all things science are revered; religion is relegated to the periphery and often viciously attacked because of its simplicity, rituals, and mysteries. Today science is often used as an ally against religion.
At no time since the days of Jesus Christ has the need for his presence and instruction been needed more than now. The scientific method lacks something, offers only questions and possibilities and endless side effects. Everywhere there is need for a renewal of doctrine of charity, humility, obedience, which could help each human being learn how to love their individual selves, their neighbors, and God. Human beings need expressions of affection and love to flourish. There are many human beings deprived of love, searching for it in dangerous places, forgetting that God provides love for everyone. Somehow this starvation of the heart and soul is acceptable according to the scientific method.
What each human being must always remember the simple fact of salvation: believe in God, live as his humble servants, and be loving obedient.
As Christians there is an explicit expectation and responsibility to create lives which illuminate the goodness and holiness of the faithful, the love and respect for God; this illumination will guide the lost to God and protect others from becoming lost.
True simple prayer remains as the best way to illuminate both hearts and souls with the natural light of God’s love.
