28th May, 2006

MOBILE SECURITY BLANKETS!

I’ve had occasion in the past in the Bulletin to mention the subject of mobile phones, and, very recently, the subject of shopping. I might be tempted to refer to both of them as being examples of necessary evils, but that would be a little too harsh. Of course we have to go shopping, or else we would need to be growing all our food in the back garden, not to mention keeping a hen or two for the eggs, and a cow for the milk, etc. – not really on in this day and age.

And I appreciate the convenience of the mobile phone, particularly for parents and children who wish to make contact for ‘pick-ups’ and that kind of thing. In fact I recently made the mistake myself of not having my mobile with me as I was calling on some people. I arrived at the door of the apartment block, expecting to see their names on one of the call bells, to find that instead I really needed their code, which, or course, I didn’t have. I ended up returning to St. Joseph’s, which, fortunately, was not too far, to get the mobile to ring them. I’m hoping there isn’t a button panel at the pearly gates!

At this stage you may be saying, “get on with it – what’s the connection between mobile phones and going shopping?” Well, there are lots, of course. But I’m not referring to those people I trip over in the aisle who are ringing home to check whether it’s a big packet or small packet that’s required, or “they’re all out of this brand, should I get the other?”. No, my story has a little more charm than that.

It features a lovely, I won’t say elderly – but getting on a bit – couple, who occasionally go out for some leisurely shopping together. And you know the way it happens – they’re strolling along, she spots something in a window, and stops to look. In the meantime he’s unaware she’s not beside him – his attention’s probably been caught momentarily by the Church on the other side of the street, or something like that! He goes to draw her attention to it, and realises he’s on his own. It’s OK if she’s still looking into the store window, but if she’s gone inside, suddenly he’s no idea where she’s got to. But he’s prepared – it’s not the first time it’s happened! They both carry mobile phones for just such occasions. Out comes the mobile, and in no time at all they are happily reunited!

Now, isn’t that a nice use of modern technology? And it’s something very similar to what the Lord is putting before us in today’s gospel. He is inviting us to be realists – we can’t pretend we don’t live on this planet. Much as we might like to at times, we can’t withdraw from the real world. He prays that we will remain true to Him, and be ‘consecrated in the truth’. And we should make use of the various means the world gives us to bring us closer, in love, to one another, and to Him.