MARY, OUR MOTHER

Calumnious Blogging.

I was reading an article in the June issue of 'Homiletic & Pastoral Review' by Rev. Michael Orsi. He wrote about Blogging and sin which really caught my attention. I don't think I will ever post anything to my Blogs again without making sure that I am not calumniating anyone or making derogatory comments without reason.
Believe me, I love to post things on the Internet about Our Faith, Marian Apparitions and Pro-Life news and items. I guess when I worked for United Press International and after that for WNEW TV News in New York City, I never got it out of my blood. I loved taking pictures of News Events, going to all the big news stories that were happening or even just pulling copy off the teletype for the reporters to read and write. But I never wrote a news story, and I usually don't write any now. But posting other people's work can be a problem too. Sure I have permission to reprint but what am I reprinting and posting? I have to read through everything and make sure what I am posting will not be malicious and sinful. Another problem is the Anonymous commenter who likes to rave and rant about what I have posted but refuses to reveal who he or she is. Are we such cowards that we can't stand up for what we believe or is what you are posting a lie or gossip? As Fr. Orsi says: 'truth is the only basis on which a society can be built."

Here are some recommendations from the article in my own words:

1. Homilists should speak on the Eight Commandment regarding calumny and detraction.

2. People should be warned that not everything is true when reading a blog.

3. Anonymous responses should be disregarded.

4. A vicious blog can mean the writer has a psychological problem or is just evil.

5. Stay away from blogs that are unedifying and demeaning.

6. Stay away from a blog that promotes porn.

7. Ignore calumnious individuals, don't respond to them.

8. Calumnious blogging is a serious sin, jeopardizing their immortal souls.

9. Don't judge another person's character based on what you read on a blog.

10. Keep in mind the words of Isaiah 33:15: "He who acts with integrity, who speaks sincerely . . . this man will dwell in the heights."

Thank You Fr. Orsi!