Shut off the TV this Friday

Are you going to do it this year? Or are you so addicted that you can't even conceive of it?

For the past several years, I have invited readers to join me in unplugging the television set on Good Friday in order to spend a little more time in prayer, spiritual reading or attendance at religious services.

Over the years, I've heard from a number of Catholics who have shared with me the positive results of their TV-less Friday. They have enjoyed the silence, cherished the renewed spirituality and found out that they are not as TV-dependent as they thought.

If you're inclined to join in the Club of Good Friday TV-Rejecters this Holy Week, here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Agree to do without television for the 24 hours of Good Friday, from midnight to midnight. That includes news, too. (You can read what happened in the morning newspaper on Saturday.)

2. Confirm that "no TV" also means no videotapes, video games or other forms of the tube. It also means no taping of Friday's shows for viewing later, even if they're worthwhile.

3. Spend some time thinking about why Good Friday is a Good TV-less Day: The day commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus should be a time for reflecting on His sacrifice and not for laughing at mindless sitcoms or watching people die on dramas. For too many of us, Good Friday has become just another end of the week when we say, "Thank God, it's Friday." Do you realize how meaningful it would be to say: "Thank God for Good Friday"?

4. Stress the positive aspects of what you're doing. It's not simply a matter of shutting shows out; it's also a matter of letting something else in.

5. Pick something specific to replace television. Maybe you've always wanted to read one of the Gospels straight through but could never find the time. Perhaps you'd like to get to that book about a saint's life that has been gathering dust on the shelf. It might be time to improve your family prayer habits, like joining in the Rosary together or going to Lenten services.

6. Reflect on how the day is going as Good Friday wears on. Ask yourself: "Am I getting itchy without my fix of TV? or am I discovering that it's easier than I thought to do without the Magnavox? Is it hard for me to be silent and alone, meditating on what Jesus did for me? If so, why?"

7. Assay how the experience went on Saturday. Was it horrible or pleasant? Did you stick to it, or did you give in? Would you do it again and advise others to try it, or did you get nothing out of it? Did the extra Bible reading and prayers inspire you to put a little more of both into your daily routine? Or do you think you'll go back to the way things used to be?

8. Drop me a line to let me know your thoughts, reactions and answers to the questions above (write The Evangelist, 40 N. Main Ave., Albany NY 12203).

If you decide to try it out, good luck on Good Friday! It might turn out to be a better Friday than you thought.

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