5th Friday of Lent Message

By Fr. Alex Radulescu – We live in a world of fast news. So, fast, that we already have forgotten about yesterday’s crisis. We are bombarded with lots of information and some is good, and some is bad.  That is why it is important to take a deep breath before making any rushed decisions or reaching conclusions too soon.

Today’s reading from the book of Proverbs (18:2) has a very good piece of advice for us:
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“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, 
​​but only in expressing his opinion.

In spite of the avalanche of information that we get from the news or the internet, we need to realize that it is good to sift through it and analyze it before freaking out. That is why we have a team of doctors and experts in charge of our national and local response to the coronavirus pandemic. Their job is to figure out the best way forward and I pray that God will give them wisdom to do so.
 
In the meantime, we who are staying home waiting for this crisis to be over should focus more on our relationship with God and the people around us. It is not worth becoming obsessed with the news. That can become depressing. I am not saying we should not check the news. I am saying to do that once or twice a day and enjoy the rest of day by praying, talking to one another, read a book, call someone, be patient and have trust that God will get us through this.
 
A big problem we have during this crisis is the amount of unnecessary and misinformed opinions being circulated on social media.  I agree that there are benefits in being able to reach people across long distances by using technology. But this ability can easily become a distraction in our spiritual life.
 
Not all opinions expressed on social media are well-informed or good to listen to. That is why it is important to choose carefully our sources of information and stick with them. For this crisis, I choose to listen to the state and federal government officials rather than some dude ranting on Facebook about a special dose of chemicals to cure our world problems.
 
The same thing happens with our Orthodox Faith. Staying informed and listening to the right sources of information is definitely important. I read all kinds of articles these days about the wrath of God purging the earth and our impending doom. I do not listen to that trash.  
 
I do like to listen to the comforting words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when He said: “Remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). I like to read Fr. Nick’s daily Lenten message of encouragement and positive hope. I know that God loves us and there is a light and the end of the tunnel during each crisis. Amen.