Matthew 9:14-15
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."
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."
...and that time is now. I wait anxiously for the arrival of Lent each year and now that we are a few days into the period of time time where we unite with Jesus in his sacrifice I am ready to embrace its gifts once again.
ReplyDeleteI almost become more "excited" (?) for this time of denial and reflection than I do for Advent. I think this is an indication of how much, especially in today's world where gratification and satisfaction are so readily available, that our souls thirst for prayer and silence as much as Jesus thirsted for souls. Self-denial, dedication, deep prayer...those are things that are not always easy to come by or work into our day...but they are things that always feel good. They feel good in the long run because we are made in the image and likeness of Christ and it is here in these 40+ days that we really recall what it means to be a part of this journey.
I feel like my existence as a spiritual person is validated during Lent. I am reminded of what is important and what is vital and necessary for my well-being and that of others.
Fasting, prayer, almsgiving...