Time for a News Break?

Source: phys.org

Maybe my spirit is being lifted because Spring has finally arrived after 6 months of Winterpeg weather, and now I can enjoy more of the outdoors?  Or maybe my spirit is being lifted because I am more aware of the power the news media has over me?

Admittedly, my own weak will often makes dumb decisions, eg) my addiction to watching the CBC local news during supper, and then perhaps later in the evening watching the CBC National news before going to sleep.

Frequently the news features grim stories that are repeated day after day such as Trump’s refugee policy (or almost any other policy), Brexit, or the continuing 2-month saga of SNC Lavalin and the expulsion of Liberal MPs. The grim news also contains evidence of looming ecological disaster, drug deaths, murders, fatal diseases, etc. etc., plus… hours of mind numbing commercials that attempt to seduce me into buying things I do not need.

You might think I would recognize my media addiction when I also read much of the same depressing news in 2 daily newspapers.

Maybe along with the arrival of Spring my spirit is being lifted because I am again learning about the power and love of God in Holy Week. On Palm Sunday we hear about the trial and execution of Jesus. On Holy Thursday we learn of Jesus serving others, and communion with Jesus. On Good Friday we again see the torture and execution of our Lord Jesus.

But on Easter Sunday we learn the joyful news that Jesus has passed through this life of pain, sorrow and death and begun a new life…a resurrection not only for Jesus, but also promised for all of us! This trumps all the grim media news.

Finally, Holy Week’s readings of God’s love for us seem more realistic and life giving than the grim news media. Maybe there is a message in this analysis? Take a newsbreak! Jesus prayed frequently and advised us to pray.

Read the Bible. “Love the Lord your God and your neighbour as yourself “… help build the Kingdom…Find God in all things.

Richard Grover is a retired history and religion teacher from St. Paul's High School in Winnipeg.

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4 Comments
  • Peggy Spencer
    Posted at 02:11h, 07 June Reply

    Very much my sentiments too given the constant barrage of daily bad news in the newspapers. So much so, I have just sent an email to the editor of our popular daily newspaper along these lines. I attached a short article also asking him to consider publishing it in the Sunday edition. I have yet to hear back from him! Bad news is sensational and grabs our attention for one milli-second and then is usually forgotten. A few years ago, there was a regular column entitled Faithworks in the Sunday paper. This is what I have suggested to the Editor. Please wish me luck.

  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 10:41h, 07 June Reply

    Thank you Richard!

  • Esther Gilbert
    Posted at 13:09h, 07 June Reply

    Yes!

  • Larry Martell
    Posted at 11:17h, 08 June Reply

    Thanks Richard, we hope YOU are able to take a news break. I don’t think I could. It is addictive.

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