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Elizabeth Kaeton's avatar

Hmmm….

Maybe it is just that we are about to celebrate the mystery of the unity of the Trinity. But I wonder if an algorithm is a modern metaphor for the Trinity.

Hmmm……….

Or maybe that’s just a modern heresy.

The word discernment, as applied to spirituality, came to us from Ignatius of Loyola.

He said that whenever one came to a crossroads in life, all the angels in heaven and all the demons in hell rise up and call to you from either side of the boundary. The task of discernment, Loyola said, was to listen to the voice of the angels and follow them.

Not as easy as it sounds.

Megan Costilow's avatar

I think that idea on the algorithm being a metaphor for the Trinity will make some student a great dissertation someday!

Br Jack Gillespie+, LC's avatar

Wow. Thanks for the mention! I've found, in Substack world at least, a very healthy group of faith-filled people. People who, as you mentioned, hold the tension of being faithful to G*d and the f***ed up world we find ourselves in. Both things can be true. I've said for ages that what people are looking for is authenticity. I purged both the hateful and the non-helpful from my life a while ago. It's people like you and those you've mentioned that keep me sane! Much love to you and your wife!

Megan Costilow's avatar

We love you, too!

Patrick C Bartholomew's avatar

The algorithm and social media is a mirror into our lives, they frequently parse what we see so that it reinforces what we already believe rather than challenge us to hear a different voice. Discernment is definitely a skill that should be practiced daily as we live in the world, something I have not been able to escape.it is a great gift that brings us closer to God as we fine tune our listening and seeing. Great job Megan, keep reminding us of the essential tools/gifts we have for this journey, oh, and a great community to go along on this journey.

Jeanette Maria Rae LaMothe's avatar

I appreciate your thoughtful and kind essays. They encourage me.