Right around Ash Wednesday my youngest sister introduced me to Wordle. Because she plays it daily, I thought I would join her. After all, it’s a sisterly thing to do and a great way to keep in touch. She’s quite good at it, but she doesn’t brag.  Instead, she sends an “innocuous” sentence that has no obvious reference to her word dexterity. But I already know the sun is “splendid” and Zelensky’s leadership is “impressive” and occasionally work makes me say “phew.” While I don’t allow myself too many minutes to arrange the yellow and green letters, I keep at it long enough to come close to my sister’s score. And then I send my own “innocuous” message.

Should I give up Wordle for Lent? Well, National Catholic Reporter recently had an article in the March 4-17 issue titled “Wordle Reminds Us that Pleasure Has its Place, Waiting Has Its Benefits.” The author spoke of the patience and temperance required to wait another day to play again. Self-control is certainly a good thing, a worthy Lenten practice. Need I say that it’s easier to practice Meatless Mondays than Wordle-less Wednesdays?