Sir, – Lent 2012 was supposed to be a “purple-sackcloth-within” period but it has become a “ping-pong-season”.
May I suggest a few up-to-date Lenten penances: 1. Stop doing the Irish Lotto, the Euromillions, and Telly Bingo. Give up yer auld scratch cards too. 2. Stop your wholesale breaking of the Sabbath, by your indulgence in Sunday shopping and horse racing and gambling. 3. Give up viewing your favourite soap operas – such as Eastenders and Fair City – especially those sin-sodden, drink-related programmes that Senator David Norris labelled so aptly as “highly obnoxious”. 4. Boycott your favourite rugby, soccer, and Gaelic games. Pencil in here your golfing, horse-racing, gambling, betting and home-drinking. 5. Cut back on your mobile phones and texting. Pope Benedict seems to be on my wave-length – he requested Italian girls to tone down on texting. 6. Fast from watching TV completely, especially on week days.
I allow a little relaxation on the Lord’s day, Sunday.
In these hard economic times you will save a small fortune by following these suggestions outlined above and the Lord of Lent who rewards the cup of cold water, will surely bless you.
Above all, keep Good Friday holy this year. – Yours, etc,