When the Word Becomes a Screen: A Call Back to Reverence

April 30, 2026: In an age where technology shapes nearly every aspect of our lives, it is no surprise that even our worship spaces are not untouched. Mobile phones have become extensions of ourselves—tools for communication, knowledge, and even prayer. Yet, when it comes to proclaiming the Word of God in the Church, an important question arises: Are we preserving the sacredness of that moment, or are we slowly losing it?

The Holy Bible is not merely a collection of texts. It is the living Word of God—a divine revelation preserved through centuries of faith, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion.

 When we step forward to read the Scriptures in the Church, we are not just reading—we are becoming instruments through which God speaks to His people.

There is something profoundly moving about holding the Bible in your hands—the weight of it, the turning of its pages, the silence before the Word is proclaimed. It is not just a ritual; it is an encounter. It reminds us that this moment is set apart, sacred, and worthy of our utmost reverence.

Using a mobile phone for such a sacred proclamation, though convenient, unintentionally reduces this divine moment to something ordinary. A device filled with notifications, distractions, and worldly noise cannot fully carry the depth and dignity of God’s Word. The screen may display the text, but it cannot embody the sacredness.

As it is beautifully said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” — St. Jerome

And if Scripture leads us to Christ, then how we approach it matters. The manner of proclamation is not separate from the message—it reflects our faith in it.

The Church has always been a guardian of sacred signs and symbols. Just as we approach the altar with reverence and the Eucharist with awe, the proclamation of Scripture too must visibly reflect honour and devotion. The Bible placed on the ambo is not just a book—it is a sign of God’s living presence among His people.

Spiritually, reading from a physical Bible invites stillness in a restless world. It draws us away from distraction and into reflection. It disciplines the mind and prepares the heart. In contrast, a mobile phone—even in silent mode—carries with it the subtle presence of interruption. And the Word of God deserves our undivided attention.

We live in a fast-paced, digital, AI-driven world where convenience often takes precedence over meaning. But faith is not built on convenience—it is built on commitment, reverence, and intentionality. Not everything sacred should be adapted to modern trends. Some practices are meant to remain untouched, not because they are old, but because they are holy.

As another timeless reminder goes, “The Word of God is living and active.” (Hebrews 4:12) And what is living deserves to be encountered, not just accessed.

This is not a rejection of technology.

 Technology has its rightful place in our lives and even in spreading the Gospel. But within the sacred walls of the Church, especially during the liturgy, we are called to something deeper than convenience—we are called to reverence.

Let us not allow the glow of a screen to replace the sacredness of the Word.

Let us not trade depth for ease.

Let us not lose the beauty of tradition in the name of progress.

Instead, let us return—return to the Bible, return to reverence, return to the heart of worship.

For when we honour the Word, we honour God Himself.

Sandra 

IT Professional

Catholic Leader

Catholic Influencer

A Voice for the Voiceless