Neighborliness: bridging gaps in the digital age

MESSAGE OF BISHOP MYLO HUBERT VERGARA, COMMISSION HEAD, CBCP EPISCOPAL COMMISSION ON SOCIAL COMMUNICATIONS AND MASS MEDIA ON THE 48TH WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY, JUNE 1, 2014

June 1, 2014, Ascension Sunday is World Communications Day. Each year, the pope reflects on the importance of social communications as tools to proclaim the Good News.

This year, Pope Francis challenges us to a better sense of ‘neighborliness’ to bridge gaps even in this digital age.
Just as the apostles were urged no longer to ‘look up’ but ‘look down’ and go down from the mountain to fulfil their mission of evangelization, our shouts joy and praise to God should evangelize our neighbors.

It is by power of Jesus Christ that we can fulfil our task of evangelization here on earth. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus challenges us to make disciples of all nations by baptizing in the name of the Triune of God, knowing that reaching out to our neighbour is motivated by the loving presence of Jesus who is with us till the end of time.

What are the various practical and effective ways by which we can evangelize others today? There are many – sharing of God’s Word in-family gatherings, life testimonies and examples, use of social media, service in the parish, reaching out to the poor, etc.

Pope Francis reminds us in his message for the 48th World Communications Day: “God communication helps us to grow closer, to know one another better and ultimately, and to grow in unity. The walls which divide us can be broken down only if we are prepared to listen and learn from one another. We need to resolve our differences through forms of dialogue which helps us grow in understanding and mutual respect. A culture of encounter demands that we be ready not only to give, but also to receive.” (Pope Francis, January 23, 2014)