Life Lines
nothing to hide
Recently I received an e-mail from Amazon.com reminding me that my son’s
birthday was coming up. (He has a “Wish List” registered with Amazon.) Such
is our brave new world, where it’s getting harder and harder to keep secrets and
maintain a sense of privacy.
The technology of such Internet search engines as Google and Wikipedia
has expanded our access to instant information beyond comprehension – at
least for someone who started his career with a Royal upright and a dictionary.
The ubiquitous iPhone, surveillance cameras and youtube can take any private
moment “viral” throughout the world – in just seconds. Technology also
makes us much more vulnerable to identity theft and invasions of privacy.
We are learning of government agencies tracking private phone calls and
e-mails to protect against terrorism, but with great potential for abuse. Hackers
break through firewalls to steal information, and are even taking control of
private computer cameras to spy on owners. Big Brother has never been more
menacing.
In this increasingly disturbing scenario, however, it is worth remembering
that the angels in heaven – and to be sure, spirits in hell – virtually have no
privacy. They all come into their ruling love, which is readily apparent in their
appearance. They cannot hide who they are or deceive anyone. Angels are not
bothered by this because they have nothing to conceal.
In this world, we need protection against those who would abuse and
misuse information about us. But we also don’t have to post every detail about
our lives on Facebook, as some seem wont to do.
There is something appealing about angels living with no secrets and
no worries. The best way to become an angel, we are told, is just to practice
being an angel – living completely openly, loving the Lord, and with charity
toward our neighbors. It’s still a good idea to maintain the dignity of privacy in
this invasive world, while also living as openly and honestly as possible, with
nothing to hide.
(BMH)
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