The enormous success of Facebook and other social networks surely lies on our deep desire to connect to others.

Although we all love good surprises, our journeys are marked with surprises we would rather not have received. They break into our lives as uninvited guests.

I wonder whether our constant quest for more evolved means of communication reflects a facet of our Imago Dei (to be made in the image of God). 

Grace is at the centre of existence. It is no surprise that John Newton, U2 and so many others have decided to sing about it.

Some of Picasso’s paintings are worth more than $100 million because people have been willing to pay this amount. According to Scriptures, God was willing to pay a price to reconcile and reconnect humanity to himself: his own Son’s life.

Many consider that the level of commitment that Jesus asks of his followers is simply too extreme and unrealistic for today’s society. Following someone on Twitter is as far as many of us are willing to go. 

It was meant to be a happy family day. It ended up being an unforgettably tragic one.

I think an honest observation recognizes that discontentment is preached and celebrated as a lifestyle by many today. Isn’t it true? A toxic system of discontentment is built and fed by most of the media, the market and other means.

Before a what, there has always been a who. As the author of all creation, the Bible insists, God is the only legitimate object of our gratitude for existence.

It was rush hour at the metro station L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of people were heading to their work on that cold January morning. 

It’s my opinion that embracing the reality of an originator behind the not so uncommon miracles infinitely adds to our existence. Why would we watch life in black and white and on mute when we could watch it full coloured with stereo sound?

On the day that Tranströmer was announced as winner, the book I happened to be reading was Confessions, by Augustine. I mention this for a reason: if the Nobel Prize for Literature was already being given in the 5th century, I believe Augustine would possibly have received it for his writing.

Nowadays we are increasingly describing ourselves by the number and the profile of the people we are connected to. The level of popularity or acceptance we perceive to have in a particular circle of people easily becomes the foundation of our self-esteem.

The reality of God, therefore, is what offers humanity a criterion to live by and enables us to determine what is and what is not just. This includes social issues. If the global social injustice breaks our heart, it is because first and foremost it breaks God’s heart.

I live in Spain, where one in every three people between 18 and 29 years old don’t believe in the existence of God. Many other countries share a similar statistic. You might be an atheist yourself or, if not, surely know someone who is.

Though we all love good surprises, our journeys are marked with surprises we would rather not have received. They break into our lives as uninvited guests. One second you are dry and the next you’re wet. One second you have a job and the next you are unemployed.