In a time when notifications rarely pause and the for you page knows no end, the Holy Week offers a rare invitation: to unplug from social media. By stepping away, the faithful can create space for silence and solemn reflection—an opportunity to meditate on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and reconnect with the spiritual essence of the season.
Digital fast tactics
Devotees can turn their phone’s display to greyscale, typically through the Accessibility settings. This makes apps look dull and unappealing, killing the dopamine hit of full-color media.
If that does not work, one can place their phone in a closet or drawer—out of sight, out of mind is the aim here—to be kept there for blocks of time, such as during the Hours of the Passion, at 12 nn to 3 p.m.
Switching on Airplane mode is also a good option. If a believer feels it necessary to keep the line open for communication with their partner or family, muting notifications from entertainment apps may prove helpful.
Meditation—with your mind and hands
As a time for reflection, journaling can grease the gears for contemplation on the Word and the significance of Christ’s sacrifice. If writing is not one’s forte, they can try using a recorder-transcriber app to speak their mind on the matter, as they would with a friend, and have the app translate spoken word to writing for future reference.
Reading the Bible through a physical copy would also help keep devotees from distractions. Writing out a verse that stands out to one on a post-it note to be stuck on a mirror, closet door, or somewhere they will see it often, would greatly reinforce its principle or sentiment.
If one feels inclined to do so, they may sketch out an image a passage brings to mind. It does not have to be pretty or perfect, but serve as a visual reminder of the reason for one’s devotion and faith.
Service and stillness
Slowing down in a fast-paced world, at least momentarily, gives room for meaningful contemplation. As an act dedicated to clearing your mental and spiritual clutter, a believer can organize their personal physical space for improved mental clarity during quiet reflection, and to hold off the need to resume digital presence.
Instead of doomscrolling on Instagram or TikTok, the faithful can use this time to make a list of their loved ones and the concerns of each and pray for them.
During a period of time in the day, particularly 12 noon to 3:00 in the afternoon, it is recommended that devotees should also refrain from listening to entertainment podcasts or secular music. Listening to a homily or podcast or video about aspects of Christ’s obedience and exemplariness during his lifetime on Earth may be used to aid meditation.
Meaningful content
If going offline is not an option (for work for instance), immersing in intentionally meaningful content fit for the season, preferably written content or solemn preachings, may augment contemplative journaling and inspire points of prayer.
In conclusion, being mindful of the true purpose of the Holy Week—reconnecting with God and nurturing devotion to the faith by seeking to understand the full personal significance of Christ’s life and ultimate sacrifice—keeps the mind clear and the heart grateful.
