Second Monday of Ordinary Time

“Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 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.”

Our faith is one of both fasting and feasting. We fast because it teaches us to discipline our minds and bodies. It also reminds us that worldly things pass away. They are not what is truly important in this world, nor should we attach ourselves to them. This is why we foster a spirit of detachment from the world through fasting, almsgiving, and prayer, especially during Lent. However, our faith is also a festive one because we believe Jesus not only died for our sins, but also rose again from the dead promising us a heavenly banquet with him if we live our lives according to his commands. Every Sunday, we celebrate the Eucharistic feast with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are united as one Church with the souls on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven. This is why we do not fast on Sundays, they are days of feasting in the Church, even during Lent. And so, we as Christians are called to cultivate a spirit of fasting in regards to worldly things and feasting in regards to heavenly things. And if we do this, we will find a balance in life that is both fruitful and rewarding for ourselves and those around us.

Do we fast from worldly things? Do we feast on the heavenly ones? Do we treat Jesus as our bridegroom when he comes to us through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist?

O Lord, help us to know when to fast for you and when to feast with you.

Amen.