7,04,14

 Lectio:

 Mt 9.14-17                                                                                                                                                                                         

Meditatio: “Then the disciples of John approached him [Jesus] and said, ‘Why do we and the disciples of the Pharisees fast [much] but your disciples do not fast’?”  Mt 9.14

Oratio: O God, You want us to fast but for the right reasons.                          

I remember Jesus’ response to the disciples of John when they asked why His disciples did not fast. shows one of the purposes of fasting is to express a sign of mourning; but since He is the bridegroom, it is a time of rejoicing an not mourning. In prayer fast when required and do so as an ascetical practice to assist your spiritual growth and your fasting will be effective.

Contemplatio: spend some time in silence and meditate on the selected passage and hear what
God is saying to you.

Operatio: reflect: "Why...we...fast...your...do..not”; fasting is clearly an excellent spiritual practice for in mortifying the body we are better prepared to mortify the soul; but there is a time for fasting and not while Jesus was still with His disciples. In prayer seek to be aware of Jesus’ presence and celebrate His presence; but also fast from time to time to hasten His coming again.

Tomorrow's reading: Mt 11.25-30

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!