2 Ways to Flood the Internet With Hope this Lent

“Oh man, have you seen that lip-sync battle from Jimmy Fallon? So funny.”

“Have you seen, ‘what does the fox say’ or ‘Gangnam style’? They are all super funny videos.”

“Man, have you seen that video on Jesus Christ?”

I find that the first two examples above happen often. It is not hard for us to share a funny or inspiring video. We’ll easily share an image that has brought us joy, made us cry, or pumped us up.

The third example? That’s harder for us to do. We get scared when it comes to sharing our faith. Even if we think Jesus is great - far greater than any lip-sync battle - we are scared to share. It might offend someone. It’s a bit risky.

But, if we truly believe that our life is better with Jesus, shouldn't we want to share Him with others? Even more than I want people to experience the new coffee shop that I’ve discovered, I want people to experience Jesus.

We need to be more eager to share Jesus than anything else. I think the virtual world is an important place to do that. Facebook is a digital landscape to be won for Christ. After all, if Facebook users all lived in one country, that country would be the third largest in the world.

The internet is a modern marketplace to discuss Jesus. Now, some people may be uncomfortable with what you post, or not agree with it. But, to be honest, I am sometimes uncomfortable and don’t agree with some of my friends post. For example, about the burlesque shows they just partook in, or their crazy-drunk photos. But that is their life and that doesn’t stop them from sharing, so why can’t we?

If we truly think that Jesus is the way, the truth and life, shouldn’t we want everyone to have this?

Lent is coming up and I have a challenge for you: don’t run away from social media. Don't take a social media fast during Lent, but face it head on. This is the most important time to be on Facebook! Leading up to Easter, the resurrection of the Lord, the reason we believe! 

Show your friends why there is Shrove Tuesday; what exactly is that dirt on your forehead; how about what Easter is truly about. Heck, St. Patrick's Day falls during Lent this year. Why not share a bit about the saint whose feast we’re celebrating? It’s not meant to be a day of drinking, but a day of holiness.

Now, you might be saying, “Yes. Alright. Let’s do this! But... how?”

Don’t worry, I’m way ahead of you. This Lent there are two really good campaigns running. You can sign up and they send you a video each day. These videos are for you to grow in holiness, but you can also grow in your mission by sharing these videos on social media.

Here are the campaigns:

1. #ShareJesus

You receive videos from over 20 different Catholic Speakers every day during Lent

2. Best Lent Ever

Each week, participants will receive short videos and inspiration from Matthew that explain the genius of Catholicism and empower them to become the best-version-of-themselves.

Another idea would be posting a scripture verse or a picture of a beautiful mountain or anything beautiful and use the hashtag #godisgood or #blessed. Perhaps, on Ash Wednesday when you have Ash on your forehead, take a selfie and put #ashtag

Are you up for this?

Good luck, I am praying for you! Lets fill up the internet with Jesus and his beauty, love and goodness!