Flowing with the times

HOW should we flow with the times without getting lost

along the way? That’s the question many people, especially the elderly

ones, are asking these days. They know that they always have to make

adjustments in the way they handle the new developments, but they want

to know the parameters so they can safely cruise our increasingly

dynamic world.

            We cannot deny the fact that the different generations

have their distinctive ways of understanding things and of coping with

them. They have their distinctive sensitivities. The young ones these

days, for example, are generally more exposed to the new technologies

that definitely can create a distinctive behaviour, manners, lifestyle

etc. We should not submit them to more or less the same ways of the

previous generations.

            My take in this issue is that first of all, we should try

our best to remain calm and to refrain from making instant reactions

and rash judgments. We have to do a lot of observation, reflection and

study. We may need some consultation. There definitely are fixed

principles to follow, but as to how these principles are understood,

applied and followed, given the changing times, that’s the challenge

to face.

            In other words, for us not to get lost or even confused

with the new, changing and fast-moving developments, I imagine that we

really have to pray, to get in touch as intimately as possible with

God who in the end is the real guide, since he is on top of

everything.

            Without him and simply depending on our own lights, we

certainly could not cope with all the complexity of the things around

us. Our current culture can only do so much. The same with our legal

systems and whatever social, economic or political consensus we may

have regarding what is proper and improper, fair and unfair, etc.

            Obviously, we have to work under some human systems, but

these should always be animated by a vital contact with God, with his

spirit, with his will and ways, his laws and commandments.

            This is a big challenge because many people today are

unaware of the need to have a living relationship with God, let alone,

having the proper attitude, practices and skills in how to get in

contact with God. The usual practice is simply to rely on one’s own

criteria and standards.

            There is definitely a need for some massive catechesis,

but of the kind that would really address the issue properly. It

should not just be a repeat of the rote type of catechesis. It should

not just dwell in the general principles and doctrines but should go

deeper to the finer points and nuances of these principles and

doctrines.

            The problem that we sometimes meet is that many people are

still ignorant of the basic moral principles and doctrines. These

should be taught first before the finer points are brought up.

            To be sure, there will always be a need for updating and

consultation so that our moral and spiritual criteria and standards

are made finer and more relevant to the concrete issues of the times.

            For example, to know how much time we should spend in the

Internet, what guidelines can we have regarding the use of the cell

phones, etc.—these things vary according to the circumstances of the

persons involved. Yet, in spite of the growing variety that can be

expected in this regard, we should come out with some general rules.

            This is not an easy task, and it would be most welcome if

some people can dedicate more fully in studying this issue in a

systematic way. They may just be a group of parents who meet

regularly, compare notes and come up with some guidelines. Or they can

form some kind of think tank dedicated to this task. I believe there

is a great need for this type of work.