Read It:
The disciples of John approached Jesus and said,
“Why do we and the Pharisees fast much,
but your disciples do not fast?”
Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn
as long as the bridegroom is with them?
The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
and then they will fast.”
Reflect on it: In today's Gospel, we see Jesus basically telling the disciples to be joyful that he is among them. Fasting is a sign of mourning and at that point in Scripture, Jesus was still walking with them, teaching them and loving them. To fast while he was with them is just ridiculous. He does not say to never fast, reminding them what when he departs with them, they should take up the fast, but for now, celebrate. In this season of fasting, prayer and almsgiving, we remember that at the heart of Lent, is joy. Joy in the Resurrection, joy for the bonds of slavery from sin being broken, joy for an eternity spend with the Lord in Heaven. The suffering and passion of our Lord is temporary, but the joy of eternity is forever.
Pray it: Holy Spirit, bring the fire of your love into my heart, so that I can remember that at the heart of the season that seems to bring such darkness, the light of Christ shines through. He is our joy and our love. Help to grow more joyful for the salvation that he promises us through his suffering.
Live it! Challenge: Bring someone joy today by leaving a post-it for them with something positive written on it.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
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Wow. This was exactly what I needed to read right now. I focus on the sacrifice of Lent (which is important) but sometimes it's easy to forget about the joy. Thanks for this!
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