Friday after Ash Wednesday, March 7, 2025

Reflection on the WORD

Jesus – Messiah – Faith: In today’s Gospel, Jesus likens Himself to the “bridegroom” where fasting is exempted during wedding celebrations. As such, when He, the Messiah, is Present, we are to celebrate and rejoice. Ponder on, “If there is no Eternal Salvation in our faith, we should be mourning and be terrified of death. But, with Jesus’ Presence and His Good News, we are to “rejoice” daily.”

Matthew 9:14-15

John's disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?’ 

Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom's attendants cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.’

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • Fasting was one of the three most important religious duties of the time, along with prayer and almsgiving.  Thus, the disciples of John the Baptist were upset as Jesus’ disciples did not fast.
  • Jesus explained that there is a time for fasting and a time for feasting. There is a time for rejoicing in the Lord's presence and celebrating His goodness and a time for seeking the Lord with humility, fasting and repentance for sin.  
  • Pray for the wisdom to discern and live in God’s Ways.  Do you take the joy of the Lord’s presence with you as well as express sorrow and contrition for your sins?