The other day an interesting social phenomenon took place. The Apple iPhone 6 was released.

Of course we have seen similar releases before. They are always preceded by glowing and knowing articles analyzing the latest and greatest being brought forward by the new gadget. Publicity is widespread creating the buzz among the technologically converted and those faithful to the product. The message, in whatever form or terms it is delivered, is always conveying that something new is available and you don’t want to be out of date or behind the times.

I would admit that I am not technologically advanced, although I do my best. In fact, I have always hated having to change my cell phone because it has always meant the hassle of transferring family data and contacts, as well as the challenge of getting used to new buttons. In short, my world has never revolved around chasing technology.

Still, the fascinating thing is the enthusiasm that is generated by the release of the new phone. One story last week cited a person visiting the Midwest from California who got out a chair and sat in it outside the store for four days to wait for the arrival of the new device. And that was to be second in line, not first.

What should get our attention is the commitment of those who are technologically converted. They show up, stand in line and give of their time, their interest and of themselves to be part of this aspect of their lives. Further, they are always interested in learning more about their passion. They interact with each other to figure out the newest “aps” or shortcuts and innovations of their phone.

I guess it’s obvious where I am going with this thought. The stories of lines of people and enthusiasm remind us that people do give themselves to what is important to them. More than just being able to “find the time” in their busy lives to get in line and wait for what obviously matters a great deal to them, the technologically committed joyfully and eagerly give themselves to this adventure. Imagine if that same energy and giving of self were joyfully put not into the passing glitter of technology but instead into the search for everlasting life with Jesus!

Pope Francis has strongly encouraged us to open our hearts to the person of Jesus as the foundation of our faith. That certainly means a first, deep and heartfelt commitment to Him that will require us to give of ourselves. In faith, it will mean allowing ourselves to be captivated by Him as many are captivated by the newness of technology. The most natural next step will be to come to meet Him, each Sunday at the Mass, and maybe even daily. The very dedication that motivates people to line up in the elements should make us examine our own dedication to the Lord.

Just as those who have their new phones make use of it to learn ever more deeply how it works and how it can benefit them, our openness to Jesus makes us want to know more, to learn about faith. It makes us ask questions about how to live rightly, as He did and taught us. We will want to gather with others and encourage them and receive their encouragement just as the tech savvy of our day meet, and gather, exchange insights and push each other to deeper participation.

It has often been said that if the faithful put as much of themselves into Christ as sports fans do into their teams (Bear and Packer fans, we are looking at you!), how the Church and the world would be renewed and transformed. But in view of last week, I wonder if the commitment, enthusiasm and joy demonstrated by those dedicated to technology aren’t an equally strong example.

In either case, however, there is one fundamental difference. Technology is fleeting. Not long from now there will be an iPhone 7. Our teams go up and down and, as we know so well around here, there is always next year. But the commitment of faith, both of the heart and of the mind given to Jesus, seeks a goal that will last forever. Why should we chase what is fleeing when He who is the Way, the Truth and the Life for all time is calling us?