Hinikayat ng Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) ang mga Katoliko na magsagawa ng isang “digital media fasting,” kasabay ang paggunita sa Panahon ng Kuwaresma.

Ayon sa CBCP, nararapat daw na makiugnay ang “fasting” sa reyalidad ng kasalukuyang panahon.

“In our present time, fasting must also address the new realities shaping human life. One of the greatest influences today is digital media. Thus, we invite the faithful to undertake a Digital Media. Fasting as a contemporary expression of conversion and renewal,” saad ng CBCP.

Paglilinaw pa nila, ang pag-aayuno ay hindi lamang isang “external performance,” kung hindi ito raw ay isang “interior conversion.”

“True fasting, as Jesus teaches, is not an external performance but an interior conversion. Digital media fasting, therefore, invites a rediscovery of silence, prayer, contemplation, and authentic relationships. It is not meant to punish the body but to free the heart,” anila.

Ibinahagi rin ng CBCP ang epekto ng digital media fasting sa ispiritwal na buhay ng isang tao.

“Digital media fasting is not simply about giving something up. It is about making room for something better. By limiting digital consumption, we create time for prayer, reading Scriptures, Eucharistic devotion, works of mercy, and meaningful encounters with others. Fasting redirects attention from self-centered habits to the loving service of others. It is not deprivation but transformation,” anang CBCP.

Ayon pa sa kanila, ilan din sa mga praktikal na paraan ng digital media fasting ay ang pag-iwas sa paggamit ng cellphone bago matulog at pagkagising, at ang pagbabawas ng oras na iginugugol sa social media.

Matapos gawin ang naturang fasting, asahan daw ang ilan sa mga positibong epekto nito tulad ng mas malinaw na pag-iisip at pokus, emotional peace, at mas matatag na relasyon sa pamilya at iba pa.

Vincent Gutierrez/BALITA