Alexa, Add ‘Repent’ to My To-Do List
But honestly.... It's been there for a while!
There’s something oddly satisfying about telling Alexa what to do.
“Add peanut butter to the shopping list.”
“Play Gregorian chant.”
“Remind me to stretch my hamstrings.”
(She’s very obedient. Unlike me.)
But what happens when the to-do list gets… eternal?
“Alexa, add ‘Repent’ to my to-do list.”
Ding.
Added.
There it is—sitting right between “Pick up dry cleaning” and “Buy ice cream sandwiches.”
The Problem with Smart Devices and Sluggish Souls
Our devices are getting smarter.
But are we?
Alexa can adjust the thermostat from across the room. But she can’t adjust the temperature of our hearts.
She can’t convict you. She can’t call you higher. She won’t gently (or not so gently) whisper:
“Hey… maybe it’s time you stop ghosting Jesus.”
And let’s be honest: how many of us are better at updating apps than examining consciences?
God Doesn’t Need Voice Commands
Here’s the kicker: God doesn’t need to be prompted. He’s already speaking.
Not in robotic monotone—but in love, silence, Scripture, and those moments when you suddenly feel that inner tug like:
“Yeah… I should probably get back to Confession.”
Spoiler alert: that’s not Alexa.
That’s God’s grace interrupting your regularly scheduled programming.
Repentance: Not Just for the Super Holy
Repentance isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being HONEST.
It’s not a one-time line item. It’s a lifestyle.
And no smart speaker will ever say:
“You are forgiven. Go in peace.”
Only the Church can do that. And more importantly—only Jesus can do that.
A New Kind of List
Maybe it’s time to make a new kind of list.
One that doesn’t just organize your errands… but orders your heart.
Repent.
Pray.
Forgive someone you’ve been low-key avoiding.
Tell God you love Him—even awkwardly.
Start again. (Even if it’s for the hundredth time this week.)
Final Thought
So yes—tell Alexa to play your worship playlist.
Ask Siri what time daily Mass starts.
Let ChatGPT explain the Catechism paragraphs on Virtue.
But when it comes to the deep stuff?
It’s you and God.
No Bluetooth required.
Enjoyed this reflection? Thought about repenting… and then made a sandwich instead?
We get it.
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Let’s dig into it. I’m not shy.
Together, let’s keep stepping Always Toward the Light.
—John Henry
This was a really clever idea for a piece. Well done and thought provoking too. You put big points into a very relatable “story” here. God bless you and your work, brother.