Urgent Nothingness

How do you feel after reading the news—happy, stressed, angry, indifferent? I feel all of that… except the happy part!

I know the tech giants are constantly tweaking their algorithms—distorting reality just enough to keep me doom-scrolling a little longer. Even so, I still sign on… every day. Sure, there’s important news I need to know—for perspective and prayer. But often it just drains my soul. I spend hours consuming urgent nothingness, and when I finally sign off, I feel hollow. You too?

So how do we break the pattern? I’ve found help in a simple question and an ancient practice.

o   Simple Question: After my Bible reading and prayer each morning, I ask, “What matters most?” Not just to me, but to God. That shift in focus changes everything.

o   Ancient Practice: I often do the “daily examen,” a habit from St. Ignatius—reviewing the previous day and asking, “Where was God at work?” Obvious or barely noticeable, I jot it down and pray from there.

If the media noise is getting to you, try my question and practice this week. You might just rise above the storm—where the Son is still shining.

Photo by Rich Tervet on Unsplash