2nd Sunday in Advent

12-04-2022Pastor's CornerVery Rev. Robert J. Deehan, VF

About 10 years ago, an article in the Boston Globe by Martha Irvine spoke about how some companies are urging employees to unplug for periods of time – no cellphone, no tablet, no laptop.

She observed that many people crave for some solitude, but at the same time they feel obligated to be connected and to check in, to the extent that it has become an obsession. “It’s almost as if we don’t know how to be alone, or we are afraid of what we’ll find when we are alone with ourselves,” says Camille Preston, a technology and communication consultant in Cambridge. To help employees disconnect, Volkswagen shuts off mobile email in Germany for 30 minutes after employees’ shifts end and turns it back on 30 minutes before their next shift begins. Google, Nike and the Huffington Post among others provide space for their employees to take naps or meditate, with the idea that they will be more productive. A group called Reboot has created the Sabbath Manifesto which calls for a day to unplug from the constant use of technology. She observed that many people crave for some solitude, but at the same time they feel obligated to be connected and to check in, to the extent that it has become an obsession. “It’s almost as if we don’t know how to be alone, or we are afraid of what we’ll find when we are alone with ourselves,” says Camille Preston, a technology and communication consultant in Cambridge. To help employees disconnect, Volkswagen shuts off mobile email in Germany for 30 minutes after employees’ shifts end and turns it back on 30 minutes before their next shift begins. Google, Nike and the Huffington Post among others provide space for their employees to take naps or meditate, with the idea that they will be more productive. A group called Reboot has created the Sabbath Manifesto which calls for a day to unplug from the constant use of technology. Pope Francis speaks about the need for us to rediscover the value of silence in our busy lives. He says in the form of a prayer intention – which we can make our own, “That people today, often overwhelmed by noise, may rediscover the value of silence and listen to the voice of God and their brothers and sisters.” Amidst the busyness of the season we’ve just entered, we’re invited to periodically stop, be quiet, think, gain perspective, and examine what’s taken control of us so that we can be more in control, more in touch with the people in our lives and with the God who seeks to bless us, if we only let Him. I invite you to join our Holy Father in this Advent prayer.

A Prayer for Our Advent Journey with Christ by Pope Francis

Jesus, in you I am never alone, even at difficult moments, even when my life's journey comes up against problems and obstacles that seem insurmountable. I accompany you, I follow you, but above all I know that you accompany me and carry me on your shoulders. This is my joy, this is my hope that I must bring to this world. Teach me to see with your eyes, to live life as you lived, to understand life as you understood it. Help me be ready for an encounter with you, which means being able to see the signs of your presence, keeping my faith alive with prayer and the sacraments, and taking care not to forget about God.

God bless you!

Fr. Bob

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