Being nosy can be more than just annoying. The nosy are quick to jump to conclusions and just as fast to spill information not meant for the public. They are often rumormongers, fishing for the latest news and craving the juiciest gossip. This behavior can lead to a loss of trust and respect, making others cautious and guarded in their presence.
Facebook and TikTok, for example, are the nosy’s best friends. Smartphones are their constant companions. They must share the latest photo and tweet the freshest gossip. Instagram makes their photo stories picturesque, and Snapchat provides the instant hit-and-run they crave.
Regrettably, the nosy often find themselves avoided, or those who know them become guarded in their presence. Their inability to distinguish between what is private and what is public can strain relationships.
The feeling of “I said it first,” “I posted it before others,” or “I am always in the know” unwittingly drives their actions. They make friends and family nervous and, unfortunately, lose friends, opportunities, or future jobs without meaning to do so.
The Thirst for Knowledge
However, there is a deeper drive behind the nosy behavior that is inherent in all of us. It is the thirst for knowledge, a spiritual hunger. The pursuit of knowledge is a fundamental right, rooted in our nature as truth-seekers. This innate desire for information is a reflection of our freedom of thought and expression.
Just as the body needs material food and nourishment, the intellect has its food too. The blabbermouth in some of us is an expression of this desire to know and have information, as well as the desire to share. In a sense, sharing is life-giving. A spiritual writer taught me so.
If you deprive someone of the necessary information, you may deny them something more precious than food. Starvation is a social evil. Anyone with a fair understanding of human rights would agree. But I digress; the starvation that happens every day when people are deprived of food of the mind and soul needs our frowning, too.
Spiritual Satisfaction
As we mature, there is a gradual shift from material satisfaction to a more spiritual, yet natural, satisfaction. Our happiness grows with our mental and spiritual wealth and health. This journey of self-actualization—reaching self-fulfillment and transcendence (Abraham Maslow)—is growth.
Eastern Catholic theological thoughts express a similar idea as theosis. Theosis is the process of becoming more like God in one’s nature and actions. In our Catholic usage, it is the process of deification (participation in the divine nature). In other words, it is about participating in the divine life through grace, growing in holiness, and ultimately being united with God. For short, it is about aspiring to holiness of life. Sanctification!
When we reach the level of contemplation or satisfaction derived from feeding the whole person, including the mind and spiritual faculties, with holy thoughts, we find we are no longer at the mercy of materialistic fantasies. Mildly put, worldly fantasies no longer have a firm grip on our psyche. By grace we do not sow the wind and do not reap the whirlwind (see Hosea 8:7). The love and ultimate loyalty to the true God not the work of our hands becomes our true passion.
Seeking Spiritual Nourishment
Therefore, we must nourish our spirits and maintain spiritual health. The good news is, as Jesus proclaimed, ‘The harvest is plentiful.’ However, the challenge lies in the scarcity of ‘laborers’ (Matthew 9:37) who can guide and support us (and others) in our spiritual journey.
How many of us are so well-fed that we can feed others? How many could fill that void, the lack that drives many to seek momentary gratification in alternate spaces?
Don’t get me wrong; community in social technology spaces is helpful. However, when a void is not filled on these and similar platforms, finding what can honestly fill it is wise.
A Spiritual Famine and Nourishment
Or has the prophecy of Amos come true thousands of years after its proclamation? Reading that prophecy can be scary: “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run back and forth, to seek the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it” (Amos 8:11-12).
Yet, the Blessed Lord assures us with the utterance of His word. He shatters the imprisonment of evil grips. He drives out the demons that stifle life-affirming utterances, the obstacles preventing us from communicating the Word everywhere (Matthew 9:32-36). Freed, we then can speak, and many can hear.
Of course, the famine that Prophet Amos alludes to is an invitation to thirst for the Word. The Word is Christ’s visitation amidst the cacophony of our spaces and times. In every spot, the seed of the Word is born. The thirst is grace probing and prodding us from within to hear that Word and, therefore, to speak. As Saint Paul says, “faith comes by hearing,” and the hearing requires God’s Word (Romans 10:17).
Listen, You’d Hear
As Jesus goes about to all the towns and villages, teaching (Matthew 9:35-38), He breathes His word from within the din. He whispers. The thirsty will always find satisfaction, for grace is lavish for us to hear.
Amidst the noise, calm down and listen. You’ll hear. To facilitate this, let’s consider the type of content we consume daily. Is it feeding our mind and spirit, or merely providing temporary distractions?
Let’s include more enriching and uplifting content in our routine. A daily routine of intense prayer and meditation on Scripture helps.
God love you. God bless you.
[Tuesday, Week 14, Ordinary Time: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13; Matthew 9:32-38]
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The reflection is powerful, dwelling on contemporary challenges of man in the face of the many “voices” and noise amplified by technological advancements. Thank you, Fr., for proffering helpful alternatives to help us balance the natural yearnings for knowledge and information. One needs to be intentional about filtering the type of content one consumes amidst the cacophony of contents out there. Surely, meditation on the Word of God is a healing remedy.
Filtering the noise isn’t easy. As you said, intentional effort is required. God’s grace is sufficient too. Thanks for feedback.
Thank you Father Maurice. The parish I attend has a perpetual Adoration Chapel where I’m able to sit before my Lord. My time there allows me to escape the noise around me, to quiet the chatter in my head, and just listen to the quiet ambiance. I feel His presence and sometimes am moved to tears because of the feeling of peace. Your words challenge me to visit more often. God bless you, Father
Doesn’t it warm the heart to have the privilege of sitting before the Blessed Sacrament in the silence of the Lord’s Holy Presence and encounter His glory? Thanks for kind words.