In this edition of the Bulletin, we feature the homily delivered by Auxiliary Bishop Andrea Lembo of the Tokyo Archdiocese during the 10:00 a.m. Mass on May 31. We invited him to share his thoughts with us because, amidst the growing discussions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), his insights remind us what it means to be truly human. His message is intended for everyone, not just the 109 Confirmands present that day.
What you receive is the living Spirit of God!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, we also celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Dear Confirmands, Congratulations and welcome! Today, the Church invites you into the mystery of God, who is eternal love and communion between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Everything begins from God’s love. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.”
Human beings are being cherished beyond measure by God. This theme of God’s love and human dignity is something close to us, and it carries special significance in contemporary society - something we should pause and reflect upon. In particular, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is prompting us to reconsider what it means to be human.
AI is a technology that learns, analyzes, and shapes society, demonstrating the richness of the intelligence bestowed upon humanity. However, as Pope Leo XIV states in his first encyclical, MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS, the deepest crisis of our age is not technological, but existential – a crisis of human existence itself. The danger is not that machines may become human, but that human beings may begin to think of themselves as machines.
AI excels at logical reasoning, but it cannot understand the meaning of suffering, forgiveness, or love. Even if information increases, without wisdom to accompany it, our humanity becomes fragile. That is why the Sacrament of Confirmation you receive today is so important. What you receive is not artificial intelligence, but the living Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit purifies human intelligence and leads us towards the truth.
In the Christian tradition, knowledge and wisdom are not the same. Knowledge shows us what we are capable of doing, while wisdom teaches us what we ought to do. And wisdom leads us to reverence for God. We are created in the image of God, and every person possesses an irreplaceable dignity.
Dear candidates for Confirmation, even in a world captivated by speed, learn to cultivate contemplation; and in a world overflowing with information, seek the truth that never changes. Intelligence guided by the Holy Spirit becomes a path towards service, justice, beauty, and peace.
May the Holy Spirit enlighten and strengthen you, and may he guide you so that the future may remain truly human.
by Bishop Andrea Lembo, DD Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Tokyo