3/10/11

Lectio: Mt 9.14-15

Meditatio: “Jesus answered them [John’s disciples], ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The day will come when the bridegroom will be take away from them, and then they will fast’.” Mt 9.15

Oratio: "O God, Your ways are so surprising! .

I remember Jesus’ disciples did not fast while He was with them. Why? Because Jesus declared He was the bridegroom and thus His presence was a time for joy.

Grant that I may fast now so that I may purge myself of that which will prevent me from coming to everlasting joy with You.

I ask this of You, who lives and reigns with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.
Amen.”

Contemplatio: Keep silence and remain in recollection for a few minutes.

Operatio: Reflect on the ascetical practice of fasting. The Church prescribes only Ash Wednesday and Good Friday of Lent ast days of obligatory fast. Resolve to make every day of Lent a day of fast so that the barnacles of my soul may be removed and my joy may one day be complete.

Tomorrow’s reading - Lk 5.27-32