Cheating this Lent? It May Not be a Sin

I may have mentioned that when we were kids, it was forbidden to do anything on Good Friday, EXCEPT to watch the latest episode of Dark Shadows. My mom still cringes at her ignorance on observing the most solemn day of the liturgical year.  All of us have done similar things like this during Lent or Holy Week.

But the good news is, even though we are weak and fall short of our Lenten resolutions, it may not necessarily be a sin.

Read Cheating on Lenten sacrifice no sin

Also, there is a debate on whether or not to take a break of our Lenten fast on Sundays during Lent. These Sundays are referred to as "little Easters". One friend believes that Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days straight so why shouldn't we? Yet Every Sunday is a celebration of the Day of the Lord's Resurrection. and the Church celebrates on these days.

I do not think there is a right or wrong here as long as one is doing it for the right reasons, to grow closer to Christ during His Passion, and of course, not to judge his or her neighbor if they do the opposite.

And, another popular form of fasting this Lent is fasting from Facebook. See article here.

I am one of those individuals who have chosen to fast from Facebook this Lent. I must tell you, I have never felt so free. This shows me that Facebook was becoming too addictive for me.  At first it was tempting to log on to see what was going on in the world of my "friends". Yet, other than to accept friend invites, and to send direct messages that I deemed absolutely necessary, I really do not miss being on Facebook. I have more time to do more spiritual reading, works of mercy, make stuff that takes lots of time like making jam, etc. I know it was the right thing for me to do.

On the other hand, Catholic blogger, Fr. Daren did not give up Facebook for Lent. You can read his reasons by clicking on his name.

Again, there is not a question on what is the right thing or the wrong thing to do. It is what is right for the individual. Fr. Daren makes a good point on why he continued to be on Facebook.

BTW, a big mahalo to Deacon Greg for both links.