The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
Fasting is an important part of our faith. It reminds us of our need to be detached from worldly things, helps us cultivate spirits of contrition for our sins, and unites us with the sufferings of Christ. However, it also does something else which is just as important. It reminds us that we should be thankful and appreciative for what goods we have been given by God. Sometimes it can be easy to take the goods in our lives for granted, whether it is the people around us, our jobs, our health, etc. And so during this Lenten season we should take time to reflect upon everything God has done for us and also to rejoice in the graces God has blessed us with.
Are we cultivating spirits that are detached from the world, full of contrition, and united with Christ? Do we keep in mind all the goods God has given us and offer Him thanks and praise for it all? Do we take time every day of our lives to reflect on our blessings?
O Lord, may our fasting bring us closer to you and transform us into more grateful disciples.
Amen.
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