28
Thu, Mar

Fake news consists of deliberate misinformation spread via communications media, often viral in social media. It intends to mislead, damaging entities or persons for all types of gains: financial, social, religious, political. It is sensationalist, dishonest, fabricated and, therefore, misleading and deceptive. It can kill spiritually, worse than physical death. Pope Francis writes about the deceit that fake news propagates all over: «primarily due to its ability to mimic real news», because «it grasps people’s attention by appealing to stereotypes and common social prejudices, and exploiting instantaneous emotions like anxiety, contempt, anger and frustration». He continues: «fake news is a sign of intolerant and hypersensitive attitudes, and leads only to the spread of arrogance and hatred» (Message for the 52nd World Day of Communications).

For believers, the Good News that could overcome the fake news is this: «Do not be afraid… He is risen». Thanks to this life-giving news of early Easter morning by the Angel to «Mary Magdalene and the other Mary». This is the Truth that endures eternally, the One who sets man free from fear, hatred, despair, resignation and eternal death. It is not only good news what the Angel proclaimed to the two women; Jesus himself is good news when he declares to Martha of Bethany: «I am the resurrection and the life». Is this to counter the definitive triumph of fake news sowing all types of weeds in contrast to the ever-luminous Truth that is the Risen Christ? With Easter Light, we have peace: «Do not be afraid»! Real life is fully restored; it paves the way to joy, dialogue, reconciliation, faith, hope and love.

As Life fully lived and freely given to all, Jesus has the power to do it when he said: «no one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again». His words speak to the heart, not to the emotions. They are straightforward and proven with deeds of love through humble service. Saint Paul attests: «though being divine in nature, he did not deem equality with God but emptied himself, taking the nature of a servant...» So he showed the depth of his love for his disciples «until the end» for, while they were at supper, «he got up from the table, removed his outer garment… poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet». And the ultimate truth of washing us clean and reconciling us with God is «by the blood of his cross»!

The Good News of the resurrection would shine deep within if lived with mercy in all that we do in our communities, in the Pauline Family, in the Church and in our “common home”. The good news for all times in the culture of communication, therefore, is that of living «the new man» in us and fulfil what the Risen Lord commands: «as I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another». This is the kind of love that is specific of Jesus and, consequently, should characterize his disciples for whom Jesus’ example is also valid, that of being able to kneel down and wash each other’s feet. Good news is humble service for the sake of another! «Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the Master and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do».

May the Risen Master set us free from anything that divides, make us courageous in spreading the truth together by multiplying our good deeds.

Agenda Paolina

March 28, 2024

Nella Cena del Signore (bianco)
Es 12,1-8.11-14; Sal 115; 1Cor 11,23-26; Gv 13,1-15

March 28, 2024

* SSP: 1988 Maggiorino Vigolungo viene proclamato Venerabile.

March 28, 2024FSP: Sr. M. Augusta Biolchini (2018) - Sr. Donata Narcisi (2019) - Sr. M. Dorotea D’Oto (2023) • PD: Sr. M. Tarcisia Spadaro (2008) - Sr. M. Emanuella Santini (2011) - Sr. M. Leonarda Pompiglio (2023) • IGS: D. Giorgio Zeppini (2018) • ISF: Michele Perillo (1996).