In the world we live, we think that information consists in describing current events. Sometimes we race to be the first to know, frenetically anxious to be always updated so that we want to share with a tinge of pride to others what we have learned from TV. In this way, excitement to attract public attention is at fever pitch.
Among the most engaging emotions, the negative ones take the top spot. The rat race for information and news takes away our equilibrium and you say: “I can’t stand it anymore!” We need to be mentally healthy. A re-education towards the good and the positive is necessary. We don’t need to know what is simultaneously happening in the world, especially the negative ones.
It is impossible to know everything. A mental selection and choices are necessary. The social media is a potent force in influencing people’s perception of reality. It could have a positive or a negative impact, thus one has to filter all types of information with prudence and objectivity. What may apparently seem to be a desperate or tragic situation could be a springboard for a greater good.
In such circumstances, we are free to allow ourselves or not to be conditioned, by what we see or hear. We could go beyond the pains and the sufferings, find meaning in them and move on. As Victor Frankl, a psychiatrist and holocaust survivor writes: “We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation, when facing a fate that cannot be changed.
“For what then matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is to transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one’s predicament into a human achievement. When we are no longer able to change a situation—just think of an incurable disease such as inoperable cancer—we are challenged to change ourselves.”
But if we believe that we were created by Love, a God who is Love, this means that the choice for positive news can be more contagious than the negative. Sure, it would be nice to create special positive programs or participate in programs to shed light on them, reversing the logic of violence, profit or even disasters. Faith in the positive even in front of something seemingly negative may seem naive and weak, but in reality it is intelligent and strong.
Even though it’s not sensational, its strength lies in the depth of silence which is able to touch all hearts, stimulate dormant energies in the ashes of the world. And while we get used to spreading the positive, speaking well of others and recognizing the good things around us, we slowly become reliant on the positive. Thus, hope replaces discouragement. This is no small thing.
It is what Mary has done in her life, believing always in Love, even with a dead son in her arms.
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