I recently read an article (Washington Examiner) about the Governor of Virginia issuing guidance that would have students drop off their cell phones at the beginning of the school day and pick them up after their final class concluded.
The catalyst for this plan is the link between student’s cell phone use during and between classes and negative consequences such as inattention to instruction and anxiety and depression.
Research shows that students receive more than two hundred notifications on their cell phones a day and two thirds report being distracted by them.
God Knows Us Best
The most troubling concern is the significant increase in teenage girls considering suicide (up 60%). There are multiple factors involved with the mental health of our young people, however, in addition to seriously looking at the external influences such as cell phones; we must also remember the importance of their knowing God…for there’s no one who knows us better.
Today’s reading’s whether it is Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians telling his story of conversion and missionary work or the Luke’s Gospel account of Jesus speaking with Martha and telling her he understood her anxiety are a reminder to us that when we are discouraged or searching for answers that it is through our relationship with God that we can find a reason for hope and a friend to lead us.
Made in God's Image
One of the areas that our young people struggle with has to do with their physical appearance.
As I reflected on today’s psalm, I was drawn to the part that says, “Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works.”
Whether we are young, middle-aged, or senior citizens, we all need to be reminded that God has carefully and lovingly created us (body and soul). Yes, there are those considered by the world to be more attractive or gifted than others…but that verse is God speaking to each of us…reassuring us that we despite the words of others or our own self-criticisms, we are each wonderfully created by God.
Seek Relationship with the Lord
But it is not enough to simply read and pray over this passage, we also need to enter more deeply into our relationship with God. Currently, there is a temptation for people of all ages to spend more time looking at their phone, tablet, or laptop and interacting with social media and wondering what other people think about us than wondering if we are connected enough with God.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that the people who are most optimistic and caring are the ones who both know and want to please God first. They understand that God is not only our Creator and Redeemer but also the One who wants to guide us…and the One who because He made us and understands us has the ability to speak to us in ways that touch our hearts and minds…ways that lead us on the everlasting ways…just as He did with Saint Paul and Martha…just as He has in each of our lives…bringing us to this Mass today.
My brothers and sisters, God has wonderfully made each of us, let us thank Him at this Mass and also share this message with our family members and friends; especially those who most need to know the love God has for them and the peace and joy He can bring to their lives.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
