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.