1.18.15

Lectio: Mk 2.18-22                                         

Meditatio: "Jesus answered them, ‘Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast’.” Mk 2.19

Oratio: O God, You desire that the ascetical practice of fasting  be part of our but it is not an absolute for all occasions.

I remember Your Son said that it was not appropriate for His disciples to fast while He was with them comparing His presence to a bridegroom at a wedding feast.  But when the wedding is over; i.e. His presence is  no longer physically present, then they would fast. Fast during the prescribed times and periodically at other times for fasting  that is one of the ascetical practices and it is most pleasing to God.

I ask this and all things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

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

Operatio: reflect:"bridegroom....cannot fast”; two of the purposes of fasting was to prepare for the coming of the Messiah and to hasten His coming. With Jesus being present, fasting was not required of His disciples for its purposes were served. Once He ascended into heaven, it is again appropriate to fast to hasten His coming at the end of time. Seek the grace to make fasting a part of your on-going spirituality for it is a most  pleasing to the Lord.

Tomorrow's reading: Mk 2.23-28