Give Up To Gain

 

  Mt 9:14-15

Jesus Questioned About Fasting

¹⁴ Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”

¹⁵ Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

As we move into our third day of Lent, let us look at the purpose of fasting.  We are on a 40 day journey of preparation for the renewal of our Baptismal Promises at Easter, and have chosen to do something special to ready ourselves for a meaningful and sincere rejection of sin and to deepen our relationship with Jesus. By giving up something we like to eat or do, we are gaining self-control and extra time to fill up with prayer or service to others. Let us keep that in mind when we are tempted to let go our Lenten efforts, and keep focused on the Gain rather than the Give Up.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, thank you for the gift of Lent when I can do something extra to deepen my friendship with you and serve my neighbor more than usual. Amen.