03-17-26

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 17, 2026
I had a pretty heated debate the other day with an AI attendant. So, I called my car dealership to make an appointment for my car. There was a recall. The very nice voice on the phone asked me how she could help. I explained that I had a recall on my car. The person asked for the specifics on the recall. I said, “My app for the car said I needed to call you for an appointment because there was a recall, but no specifics.” The person said, “I need you to give me the details of the recall.” OK, I’m not always the brightest bulb in the shed (my grandfather used to like to mix idioms to see if you were paying attention), but it took three back-and-forths with the AI attendant before realizing it was AI. Ugh! It was probably recorded, and if someone listens to it, it might sound a little like Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s on First” routine. 

I know AI is the future and I probably need to get used to it. But the so-called conversation made me wonder how often people feel as if they are talking to a machine when they are in fact talking to a real human being. The conversation feels empty of emotion or empathy, and not really hearing what is being said. There are times when speaking to another person, yet that person appears to have a limited number of answers, and if your thoughts don’t fit their categories, there won’t be anything that actually resembles a conversation. We read in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer and reveal to you wondrous secrets that you haven’t known.” These words from the Prophet are being spoken on behalf of God, and what God offers to the one who calls out is insight not previously noticed or available. That comes from someone who was paying attention; someone truly listening. There is a lesson for all of us. If we want to be truly available and truly helpful, it is pretty important to listen to the cries and concerns of others, and not just be ready with an answer of YES, NO, or 42 (for fans of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy). 

​Help us to create a world, Merciful and Compassionate God, where there is genuineness to our listening and kindness in our response. We do not wish to sound helpful, but to truly be helpful if it is possible. And if not, encourage us to be loving as you are always loving. Amen.