Continuity in an age of discontinuity

THIS is a big challenge today. How can we have a sense of

continuity in an age that is so clearly galloping with new

developments, creating new categories, structures and meanings that we

can say that we are entering a phase of disruptions and discontinuity?

            In fact, it is now a given that we are today in times that

are significantly different from the previous generations. It seems

that we are having a kind of quantum leap, an abrupt and extreme

change in things in general.

            We have to learn how to cope with this new phenomenon. And

the most important and indispensable thing to do is to ground

ourselves more firmly on God. He is the foundation of all reality, of

things that are absolute and permanent and also of things that are

continually changing either gradually or abruptly.

            Without him, there is no other way but to get confused and

lost, carried away by “all kinds of strange teachings,” as the Letter

to the Hebrews would put it. (13,9) St. Paul went further by

suggesting that we “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take

your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph 6,11)

            It’s true that we have to do everything humanly possible

to be able to cope with the new developments. We cannot overemphasize

this need. That is why we have to be very open-minded, flexible and

adventurous, creative and innovative.

            This may mean in concrete terms that we should do a lot of

reading and studying, observing and experimenting. We have to have a

sportive attitude so that we can manage to move on even if we

encounter many setbacks along the way.

            We can precisely use the new technologies to expand and

deepen our knowledge of things. There are now many journals and other

sources where we can get a good understanding of how these new things

are working and achieving.

            It’s good that we organize our day very well so that we

can optimize the use of our time and other resources that are always

limited in the face of seemingly limitless possibilities.

            We need to motivate ourselves constantly, putting

ourselves always in good condition to face the growing challenges and

opportunities. We need to flow with the times and help others to do

the same. Our attitude should be that no one should be left behind.

            But all this should be rooted on the firm foundation of

our vital union with God. We have to pray and pray hard. We have to

plumb deep into the word of God which as the Letter to the Hebrews

would put it is “alive and active, sharper than any double-edged

sword. It penetrates even to the dividing souls and spirit, joints and

marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (4,12)

            We have to do everything to be always with God whatever we

are doing, whatever our situation is. That is why we need to have some

working plan made up of some traditional and innovative acts of piety

that would put us in touch with God always.

            With him we can judge things properly and know how to make

a road map toward our eternal destination without getting lost along

the way. This can give us a sense that there is some continuity and

direction in our present age of discontinuity!