HOLY WEDNESDAY
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
“What will you give me if I deliver him to you?” – Matthew 26:15
I teach Journalism and one of my favourite subjects is media ethics. I tell my students that media as a group is said to be the Fourth Estate. Today, the three “estates” commonly refer to the three branches of government: the Executive, Legislative, and the Judiciary.
As the Fourth Estate, media is supposed to be the watchdog of the three estates, specifically, to expose their abuse of power. Media can do its role effectively only if it is blameless. To become blameless, one must start with being selfless. You think of others — especially the public you are supposed to serve. When you cover an event or write a news story, you don’t ask, “What’s in it for me?” It’s a tempting question that may lead to betrayal — of the public, of your profession.
Such question sounds very much like Judas’s question in today’s Gospel. As a media practitioner, I am sometimes tempted to ask the same question when I have to cover an event and write about it. That’s why I need to pray, attend prayer meetings, meet with my caring group, and go to Mass to fortify my faith and shield me from succumbing to the temptations of my profession. Cynthia Santiago (cusantiago@gmail.com)
REFLECTION:
What’s being blameless for you?
Lord, every time I am tempted to think only of myself, come, and let me think only of You!
St. Isidore of Seville, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.
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