Bishop to youth: Give more time to Jesus than on your cellphones

A Catholic bishop called on young people to free themselves from addiction to mobile phones and instead give more time to Jesus.

Addressing the delegates of this year’s Tagbilaran Diocesan Youth Days on Nov. 24, Bishop Alberto Uy said that while cellphones are useful tools, it must be used in the right way.

“Let us give Jesus more time, more than the attention we give to our gadgets. Love Jesus more than you love your cellphones,” he said.

The prelate was speaking in his homily during Mass to also celebrate the Feast of Christ the King at the Holy Name University (HNU) Barder Gym in Tagbilaran City.

The gathering, attended by more than 3, 000 delegates from different parishes, was also held to culminate the diocesan celebration of the Year of the Youth.

Bishop Uy also encouraged the youth to be missionaries for Christ, and “wherever you go, carry Jesus in your heart”.

“In social media, be peacemakers, not bashers; be evangelizers, not self-promoters,” he said.

Reflecting on the feast, he said to have Jesus as our king is to give him “a special place in our homes, schools, offices, and other places of work”.

“Having images of Jesus and enthroning the bible are important expressions of our love for the Lord,” he added.

“On a deeper level, we prove that Jesus is our king if we allow him to influence our lives, our words and actions, our minds and hearts,” Bishop Uy also said.