How a Podcast Deepened My Faith

by Admin · February 6, 2024

Inset: Robyn Harry

The digital age offers us both opportunities and challenges for spiritual growth. Robyn Harry explains how we can benefit from life online and avoid its pitfalls.

My biggest sin may be that I sometimes struggle to make time for the Lord. I rise before the crack of dawn and my body is programmed to get-up and go. Within the blink of an eye, I wake up and repeat an airtight routine. A frightful habit I have acquired is devoting only a few quiet minutes to God before I drift off to sleep. Yes, I speak to God throughout the day, and yes, I occasionally open the Bible — but I will admit that is not enough.

I’m 23. I spend a lot of my spare time online instead of with God, or learning about him.

A few years ago I stumbled upon a daily prayer podcast. A verse of the day speaking about the adoration of God brought me to tears. It was the first time I consumed the Gospel digitally. Its non-traditional form allowed the narrator to explain the verse in a way that I would never have been able to interpret on my own. In that moment, I realised that social media and religion do not necessarily counteract each other.

In his message for World Communications Day in 2014, Pope Francis offered a profound perspective on the role of social platforms in spiritual growth. These platforms, he said, present an invitation to uncover the splendour of faith, experience the joy of the Trinity, and provide an opportunity to evangelise the Gospel.

Finding the balance

There must be a balance between digital engagement and fostering a robust spiritual life. Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, a Jesuit canon lawyer, has raised concerns about the impact of the digital world on spiritual wellbeing. Cardinal Ghirlanda contends that the screen often fuels an insatiable curiosity about trivial matters, distracting individuals from the contemplative practices necessary for a thriving spiritual life.

He advocates periodic disconnection from the digital world to engage in prayer and contemplate scripture, asserting that this detachment is crucial for nurturing spiritual growth.

At the heart of the discussion lies the concept of communion, the spiritual unity that binds individuals within a community. Communion fosters a shared sense of purpose and belonging, allowing active participation and engagement in a collective mission. This participation amplifies the impact of individuals and promotes collaborative efforts to fulfil the divine will.

More inclusive culture

The central themes of the ongoing Synod on Synodality — Communion, Participation, and Mission — capture the core of this discussion. Rooted in the insights from the Word of the Lord and directed by prayer, the Synod aims to traverse these fundamental ideals. The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has acknowledged varied responses to the Synod, particularly about the laity’s concerns regarding gaps in biblical knowledge.

There is an evolving consciousness to foster a more inclusive culture in the Catholic Church. The SACBC highlights the importance of faith formation, emphasising the need for improved catechesis and ongoing faith development, especially among the youth.

Strengthening this relationship requires intentional efforts; including impactful catechetical programmes, meaningful liturgy, welcoming spaces, and deeper spirituality. Utilising social media presents an excellent opportunity to engage and connect with younger audiences.

For this year’s World Communications Day, Pope Francis underlined the value of genuine communication, emphasising the importance of listening and speaking with pure intentions. In a world characterised by complexity, authentic communication enables individuals to move beyond surface-level interactions and navigate intricate realities.

Navigating digital world

Harnessing the power of technology to grow deeper in faith involves a deliberate approach. One must successfully navigate the digital landscape while nurturing one’s spirituality. To ensure a well-rounded and accurate understanding of Catholic teachings, it’s essential to rely on trustworthy sources. Seek information from established Catholic websites, respected blogs, and reputable podcasts — many of these are hosted by trusted authors, theologians, and priests who offer insightful content.

Participate — with civility and charity — in the content you consume by joining discussions, posing questions, and leaving comments, as this not only enhances your understanding but also builds connections and a sense of community.

However, be cautious about what you encounter online, as not all content is reliable. Cross-reference with the Bible and established teachings to verify the accuracy of all information you receive — and that of your response, if you choose to offer a comment. The website Magisterium AI (magisterium.com) is an excellent new resource for confirming Catholic teachings.

The digital age presents both opportunities and challenges for spiritual growth. Discovering the daily prayer podcast deepened my faith by offering an exceptional experience of the Gospel of a kind to which I had not been exposed before. The podcast’s regular publication allowed me to add it into my routine as I anticipated a new message each day.

Thanks to immersing myself in the Word, I found the strength to leave a toxic job, let go of anxieties about finding the perfect relationship, rise above ill-treatment from others, and develop unwavering faith in the Lord’s plan — no matter the challenges ahead.

Robyn Harry is a marketing professional in Cape Town.

Published in the November 2023 issue of The Southern Cross magazine