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Gospel: Matthew 9: 14-15
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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Any couple that’s been married for a number of years can look back and tell you about the joy that marriage brings.
There’s the proposal; the wedding day; the birth of children; anniversaries; and the promise that someone will always be with you.
Marriage is meant to be a joyful thing.
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But, at times, it can also be quite stressful.
Simply planning your life around another person is hard. Then there’s the possibility of financial stress, emotional distance, careers taking center stage, raising children, and unexpected grief.
Most marriages are a mixed bag; there are highs and lows.
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The same is true in the spiritual life. We will experience highs and lows, times of penance and times of celebration.
In the Gospel, Jesus refers to himself as the “bridegroom.” Being around him brings the same type of joy that comes from being at a wedding. So, the disciples must celebrate while the Lord is with them.
However, in the very next verse, he warns them that the “bridegroom” will be taken away from them; his death will usher in a period of sorrow and penance. The disciples will be challenged to persevere in spite of their grief.
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What have been some of my own highs and lows on my journey of faith?
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As we begin this season of Lent, remember the words of Saint Paul, who encouraged some of the first Christians: “Rejoice in hope, be patient under trial, persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
Never give up.
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Image credits: (1) A New Covenant Perspective on Fasting, Via Emmaus (2) Times of India (3) Reflections and Ruminations