It's Time To Fast

Matthew 9: 14-15

Jesus Is Questioned About Fasting

¹⁴ Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

¹⁵ And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

As we prepare for Easter, these 40 days of Lent provide us the time and the motivation to fast and abstain.  Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays during Lent, recalling the death of Jesus on what we now call Good Friday.  The whole Lenten season is devoted to some sort of sacrifice or extra effort, including the "giving up" of certain routines and enjoyments." We do something meaningful that will strengthen our spiritual lives and our union with Jesus. The Church highly recommends prayer, fasting and almsgiving. What do I need to do to "feel the pinch" and align myself with Jesus who gave up so much to be one of us and give us a chance to share eternal happiness with him? What small paltry thing can I do to walk more closely with Jesus, to empty myself as he emptied himself for us, and eventually, to share eternal joy with him?

Bro. Rene

Heavenly Father, in Christ’s presence is endless joy. He is the bridegroom and the Church his bride. Though the risen Christ is with us always, we live in that age before his final manifestation and coming in glory. Give us faith and hope as our hearts yearn with spousal love for the bridegroom for when he will come in glory and we partake of the heavenly wedding feast. Amen.

 Rev. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C.