The "Post" Revisited: All the News That Is Fit

 (Originally posted January 27, 2018. Edited for context.)

Welcome. God and All...

In September 2017, Pope Francis announced that he would tackle the issue of so –called “fake news” in his message for the annual World Communications Day. It’s interesting that the announcement came on the feast of the Archangels; for they, and most notably Gabriel, act as God’s message bearers to the world. The theme of the message will be: “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

The following January the pope issued his message for the year’s observance, which is held throughout the Catholic Church on the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 17 in 2026. Because most dioceses in the United States observe this Sunday for the Ascension of the Lord, reflecting on how we spread the news may likely take a back seat to the themes of the Ascension. With the presence of the news media what it is these days, and at a thematic lull while waiting for Lent to begin, it’s a good time to reflect on Francis’ message and perhaps use it as a springboard for the upcoming season of spiritual renewal.

It should be clear to us that it is relatively easy to distort our ability to communicate. From the very beginnings of biblical history, we read of deception and instances of ‘bending’ the truth. We should not take this lightly. The sense that we have been deceived by others by not speaking the “whole truth and nothing but the truth” has fueled prejudices and boils over into hatred and forms of violence that erupt from it.

Let’s go back to our own Square One. Are we honest, truly honest, with ourselves? Pope Francis called us to a “profound and careful process of discernment” – which we can apply to our own self-image and esteem. That’s an important first step we must take before we can with certainty identify the subtlety employed in arguments or details that, while alluring and even making sense are actually false.

It should be the mission of every person to take responsibility for protecting the honesty and integrity of what we say about what we do. Those who provide information to us have an even greater responsibility to report fairly, resisting the urge to speculate on potential outcomes or to pass judgment on others. 

Pope Francis reminded us to turn to the “only truly reliable and trustworthy One” in our discernment process. He reminds us of the words of his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, that God “make us instruments” of his peace; to practice listening where there is shouting; to bring clarity where there is ambiguity; and ultimately, to bring truth where there is falsehood.

For the next nine months much of our media coverage will cast an eye toward the midterm elections. There is much we can do right now to approach our search for information and process it. If we are to make honest decisions that affect our future, we must first be honest and truthful with ourselves and seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God in revealing who we really are from behind the masks we use.

(And it likely won't be easy.)

Until we meet again, may God be with you - and may God have mercy on us all...

+the Phoenix