“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.”
(Matthew 9:15)
Jesus uses the analogy of a wedding to explain that while He (the bridegroom) is present with His disciples, there is no need for mourning or fasting. This signifies the joy and fulfillment that comes from being in the presence of Jesus.
Jesus highlights the importance of timing in spiritual practices. There is a time for fasting and a time for celebration. This teaches us about the balance and discernment required in our spiritual lives.
Jesus' response also points to the new covenant He is establishing. The old practices and rituals of the Pharisees and John's disciples are being fulfilled and transformed through Jesus' ministry. This calls us to embrace the new life and relationship with God that Jesus offers.
Jesus hints at His future suffering and departure, indicating that there will be a time when His disciples will need to fast and mourn. This prepares His followers for the challenges and trials they will face.
Reflecting on these lessons can help us understand the significance of Jesus' presence, the importance of timing in our spiritual practices, and the transformative power of the new covenant.
In the glow of the bridegroom's embrace,
The guests rejoice, no tears to trace.
Laughter and joy fill every room,
In the presence of the bridegroom.
But time, relentless, marches on,
A day will come, the bridegroom gone.
Silence and sorrow will then descend,
As hearts remember their absent friend.
In moments now so filled with cheer,
No room for sadness, nor for fear.
Yet shadows whisper of the day,
When joyous light will fade away.
Then fasting hearts, with fervent plea,
Will long for what they cannot see.
For now, we bask in love's warm light,
Until the bridegroom takes his flight.
Dear Lord Jesus,
In Your divine presence, we find joy and solace. As You walked among us, You filled our hearts with gladness and our lives with meaning. We, Your followers, are like the wedding guests, rejoicing in the light of Your love.
Yet, we are mindful, O Lord, that there will come a time when we will feel Your absence and face challenges and trials. We pray that You grant us strength and resilience for those days when we must fast and mourn.
Help us to cherish every moment spent in Your presence and to carry the light of Your love in our hearts, even during times of darkness. May we find comfort in the promise of Your return and the eternal joy that awaits us in Your kingdom.
Guide us, Lord, to live in accordance with Your teachings, embracing both celebration and sacrifice. Let our lives be a testament to Your grace and glory.
In Your holy name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
III. Ministry and Mission in Galilee
THE QUESTION ABOUT FASTING
Matthew 9:14-17
Gospel Acclamation
Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and the Lord will be with you.
Gospel | Matthew 9:14-15
14 The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” 15 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.”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
