Proclaiming a Fast

This week I've received more than the usual amount of spontaneous expressions of appreciation for my blog from readers I'm meeting for the first time, from new readers, and from those of you that have been faithful companions in the past 20 months or so since I started the blog. I am humbled, and thankful that God has been able to make use of my contributions to this blog to touch people's lives. Thank you so much.

But this outpouring of appreciation comes at something of an awkward time. You see, one of the decisions that I came to during my recent retreat was to begin a temporary fast from all non-essential internet use through the end of September. That would include taking a break from the blog. It would also involve a break from reading other blogs, so be nice to me while I'm gone. During this time I hope to engage in some discernment about several issues.

The first involves recognition of the fact that with my studies and the other writing I'm doing (including a book I have to finish writing), I am already spending a lot of time sitting on my butt in front of a computer. My internet time only increases that, by a significant amount. This also takes away from the time that I am out there interacting with people both socially and ministerially. I need to be doing more of that. I also realize that much of what I write about comes from these kind of interactions. So, the less I have of that sort of thing, the less I have to write about. This presents a problem.

I also, as I mentioned in the previous post, would like to discern how I might make better use of the internet to reach those who are not connected with the Church and try to bring Christ to them. As much as I love the kind of things I've been able to do with the blog, and the wonderful community of friends I have discovered as a result, it still seems that much of what I'm doing is "preaching to the choir." So, I'd like to explore possibilities for a more deliberate evangelical outreach on the internet, perhaps with the contributions of some others, hopefully including some of my brother Jesuits.

Finally, I do have something of an addictive personality and have become concerned about my growing obsession with things like who's reading my blog, how many people are reading my blog, where they are reading from, etc. You'll notice I've removed my sitemeter. And I've also been spending an increasing amount of time on the internet in general, and I want to examine that and be sure that I can continue to use the internet in a way that is healthy and not excessive.

So, I guess you could say I'm taking a blog sabbatical. But the blog is not going anywhere, and will still continue to be available. You can also e-mail me via the link in my profile should you want to get in touch with me--I can't really give up e-mail, so that I will still be keeping track of.

Feel free to e-mail me prayer requests, as I also hope to be devoting more time to prayer during this time. You can also add them to the New Orleans Province prayer circle.

I will also be getting on-line to maintain my NetFlix account. So, if you'd like to be one of my NetFlix friends, send me an invitation (just so long as you're not scandalized by a Jesuit watching R-rated movies).

In the meantime, check out my latest article in the Vision vocation guide, which I think is already available in some places.

Most of all, please keep this discernment process in your prayers, and I will update you all at the end of September. God bless you all.

Sincerely,

Mark