The Word

New York is flooded by newspapers.  Two free morning papers plus the Times, Newsday, and of course the Post.  If this isn’t enough you have the national and international newspapers available at most newsstands as well as the neighborhood rags.  Everywhere you turn you can find something for someone.  Oh, and I forgot the daily and weekly newspapers targeting specific communities – Russian, Ukraine, Chinese, Indian, and there are others! 
 
Yet, even with the newspapers, television, internet, radio, and flyers being handed out at more corners than not, sometimes it is hard to get information.  There is a restaurant on Orchid and Rivington, Grant appears to be the name; any idea of what type of cuisine is offered?  Just up the street from where I live there is a place with a reputation for great music; how do you get in?  Trying to find someone’s cell phone number?  The answer to the questions above and to almost anything that isn’t main-stream is the same; find someone who knows and ask.  Those in the know often are not.  Those who are responsible for spreading the news often do not.  Even those with the knowledge often keep silent.  Do we have a conspiracy?
 
Blaming someone, anyone, for the lack of knowledge is an answer far too simple.  How does someone know what needs to be known?  Can I be held responsible for passing on something I should know but don’t?  What if I am ignorant; what then?
 
All valid questions but they miss the key point.  Life today is often seen as a process of taking and receiving.  What if we gave as much, or even more, than we got?
 
Mary knew something others didn’t.  Her response was simple and direct.  She “went, telling the news to the disciples: ‘I saw the Master!’  And she told them everything he said to her.” (John 20.18)
 
You and I know something about compassion, mercy, and love.  We know even more, yet one must start somewhere.  Today is fresh, people are searching.  Today is the day we can share the news.