Novena of Reparation, Day 3

I invite you to join in our community novena to St Paul (we celebrate a special feast in his honor on June 30). This year's theme is reparation for misuse of the media.

Intentions for the Day: Thanksgiving for the invention of printing; reparation for uncontrolled media consumption (especially when it harms family life) and for the failure of some parents to guide their children in the discerning use of media.

Opening Antiphon:
O St Paul the Apostle, Preacher of Truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, intercede for us to God.

Scripture (Gal 2:8):
[T]he one who worked in Peter for an apostolate to the circumcised worked also in me for the Gentiles.

From Pope Francis' Message for World Communications Day 2016:
I would like to invite all people of good will to rediscover the power of mercy to heal wounded relationships and to restore peace and harmony to families and communities. All of us know how many ways ancient wounds and lingering resentments can entrap individuals and stand in the way of communication and reconciliation. The same holds true for relationships between peoples. In every case, mercy is able to create a new kind of speech and dialogue. Shakespeare put it eloquently when he said: “The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed: it blesseth him that gives and him that takes” (The Merchant of Venice, Act IV, Scene I).

Reflection:
Paul realized early on that he and Peter had different audiences. It seems to have been a major problem (even in his own lifetime!) that Paul's words would be taken out of context. Paul's message frequently unsettled Jewish believers because it was not tailored to them; it did not answer their questions or respond to their needs.
How do I ensure that I interpret posts and other media messages "in context," aware of the author's aim and primary audience? How can I address my own media messages to the audience that is best disposed to dialogue with me?

Daily Offering:
Father,
In union with all those who today celebrate the Eucharistic memorial of Christ's suffering, death and resurrection, I offer myself with Jesus that we may follow him alone whom you, Father, sent to the world in your boundless love, saying, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him."

Closing Antiphon:
O St Paul the Apostle, Preacher of Truth and Doctor of the Gentiles, intercede for us to God.