Embracing Technology with a Prayerful Heart
As we enter the month of April, Pope Francis extends a heartfelt invitation to all of us. In his Prayer Intention, he calls for us to pray that the use of new technologies will not replace human relationships, but instead, respect the dignity of every person and help us navigate through the challenges of our times.
As I reflect on this intention, I am reminded of my childhood memories of watching the Jetsons cartoon. The vibrant characters zooming around in flying cars captivated my imagination. On the other hand, the Terminator movies with their ominous portrayal of evil robots from the future left a lasting impression.
My name is Father Joe Laramie SJ, a Jesuit priest serving at the Pope’s Prayer Network in the United States. In today’s digital age, technology surrounds us, shaping our interactions and experiences. The Pope’s call to prayer prompts us to consider how we can harness technology for the greater good.
From accessing the Pope’s intention online to using Catholic apps for spiritual nourishment, technology has become an integral part of my daily life. Through platforms like FaceTime, I connect with loved ones across distances, fostering relationships and sharing moments of joy.
While technology offers immense potential for positive impact, it also poses risks. The allure of mindlessly scrolling through content or being engrossed in harmful material is a stark reality. As we contemplate the future, we are faced with a choice – will our technological advancements lead us towards a brighter future or a dystopian reality?
Let us join in prayer, seeking God’s guidance for our minds and hearts, as well as for the innovators and leaders shaping our technological landscape. May our collective prayers pave the way for a future where technology serves as a beacon of hope and connectivity.
* Fr Joe Laramie SJ is the National Director of the Pope’s Prayer Network in the United States.
