It’s Ash Wednesday. I sit at my computer with ashes on my head between Masses. I got up this morning a bit earlier than usual to pray before Mass, but thought I’d just rev up my computer to see if there was any further news on the Pope’s resignation. The computer was a little slow (eg, it took an entire 90 seconds to log on) and I looked at my breviary sitting forlornly on the table. I turned the computer off, and picked up the breviary.

Then I realized what I needed to add to my Lenten program: fasting from the internet. How many times a day do I check my email? Ten times? Fifteen times? How many times a day do I check news sites—all good, Catholic ones, mind you—and blogs? Five times? Seven times? I compared time on the internet with time spent on things that really matter, such as calling Mom, spiritual reading, preparing homilies, etc. The “Really Matter” categories came up pretty spotty. Solution? Fast from internet, and spend more time on Things That Really Matter. I think I can do it…. I’ll log on only once a day, to read and answer emails, and taste the news rather than gorge on them. I won’t post this blog until my once-a-day log on, I give you, dear reader, permission to read this blog less often, at least during this most holy season of Lent.