The way for millennials

APALISOK

Technology and moral disorder are forcing millennials to seek material success at the expense of their spiritual well-being. If they don’t have a firm foundation they will be sucked in by the digital revolution.

This is the dire setting of societies around the world but especially in developed countries, according to Malaysian business tycoon Peter Chang in a talk before some 3,000 delegates attending the Divine Mercy Archdiocesan Assembly and Youth Forum last Saturday at the IEC Pavilion. Mr. Chang is a convert to the Catholic faith according to organizers of the event led by Fr. Lucas Inoc, local spiritual director of the Divine Mercy and lay coordinator Imma Alfon.

The inspiration of the Divine Mercy started in the mid-30s by Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who was canonized in 2000 by then Pope John Paul II, also known as the Mercy Pope now St. John Paul II. Catholic Christians around the world familiar with the prayer, “Jesus, King of Mercy, I trust in

You” find the chaplet very simple and easy to follow, well-suited for people who hardly have time to pray. For Fr. Lucas Inoc, the devotion is actually God’s devotion to his people and not the other way around. It’s also the devotion for the end times, according to Fr. Lucas.

I had the privilege of attending the assembly to facilitate the open forum after the talk of Mr. Chang. The topic about millennials and the digital revolution had the delegates hang on to every word he said because many of those who attended are baby boomers (people born after World War II or 1946 until late 60s), who often clash with their children aged 18-34, aka millennials.

The classic “generation gap” that baby boomers experienced with their parents belonging to the so-called silent generation has come full circle in this day and age, but the digital revolution has made the situation even more complicated.

Mr. Chang said the challenges for millennials in the future would be finding a job because robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) or machines that mimic human intelligence will supplant humans. He also mentioned that because of rapid technological changes the specialized skills of accountants will be displaced by just a mere microchip.

He talked about moral values turning upside down which will impact on future generations if they’re not grounded on the faith. In the midst of the “moral storm,” Mr. Chang said that young people must have a firm foundation which is faith in Jesus Christ.

Because millennials are more wired and have access to information more than any generation before them, they think they know everything and are better than their parents.

This common perception was validated by a mother who stood up during the open forum to tell Mr. Chang that as a lay evangelizer, she is at a loss how to convince her own child to embrace the teachings of the church. Mr. Chang advised the distressed mother to “befriend” her child and to pray unceasingly.

Unfortunately, the youth who were supposed to benefit from the interface with Mr. Chang were scarce during the assembly. This prompted one of the speakers to wonder why Divine Mercy devotees are mostly old. I think the answer lies in the “generation gap” resulting in the “disconnect” between parents and children.

Still, had delegates listened well to motivational speaker and preacher Bro. Ale Aguspina’s talk on the topic, “Love One Another As I Have Loved You,” they will realize that millennials are a force for good. Bro. Ale capped his presentation with a clip from the commencement speech of Apple CEO Tim

Cook delivered in June this year before graduates of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The speech of the celebrity CEO resonates not only for the top science and technology graduates but also for millennials in general and even for all of us trying to find meaning and direction in these troubled times. May I share extracts from the edifying speech.

“Technology today is integral to almost all aspects of our lives and most of the time it’s a force for good. And yet the potential adverse consequences are spreading faster and cutting deeper. The threats to security, threats to privacy, fake news and social media that become antisocial. Sometimes, the very technology that is meant to connect us divides us.”

“I’m not worried about artificial intelligence giving computers the ability to think like humans. I’m more concerned about people thinking like computers without values or compassion, without concern for consequences. That is what we need you to help us guard against. Because if science is a search in the darkness, then the humanities are a candle that shows us where we’ve been and the danger that lies ahead.”

“Whatever you do in your life, and whatever we do at Apple we must infuse it with the humanity that each of us is born with. That responsibility is immense, but so is the opportunity. I’m optimistic because I believe in your generation, in your passion, your journey to serve humanity.”

“There is so much out there conspiring to make you cynical. The internet has enabled so much and empowered so many but it can be a place where the basic rules of decency are suspended and pettiness and negativity thrive.”

“Don’t let that noise knock you off course. Don’t get caught up in the trivial aspects of life. Don’t listen to trolls and for God’s sake, don’t become one.”

“Measure your impact in humanity, not in the likes, but the lives you touch; not in popularity, but in the people you serve.”

In the context of being rooted in the faith the goal to serve humanity in the path they wish to follow coupled with the devotion that draws God’s mercy is the only way for millennials.