Daily Retreat 07/08/06

2006 Jul 8 Sat: Ordinary Weekday/ BVM
Am 9: 11-15/ Ps 85: 9ab and 10. 11-12. 13-14/ Mt 9: 14-17

 

From today’s readings:  “Yes, days are coming, says the LORD, when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the vintager, him who sows the seed....  I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD—for He proclaims peace to His people....  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....”

 

Not So Fast

 

Since ancient times, fasting has been recognized as a beneficial spiritual and bodily discipline.  Christians associate fasting especially with the penitential season of Lent, but as I mentioned a few weeks ago, as a way of calling to mind Christ’s sacrificial death on the Cross, Fridays throughout the year should also reflect a penitential spirit, for example, with a personal commitment to abstinence from meat and limiting oneself to simple meals (both mild variations of fasting).  This is a practical application of the Lord’s own recommendation: “The days will come when the Bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast!”

 

Jesus, however, explained that, just as it would be inappropriate for wedding guests to sour their joy in the company of the bridegroom, so it would be inappropriate for His disciples to let anything sour their joy at His presence.  Since every Sunday is the Lord’s Day, an observance of His Easter victory over death and celebration of His resurrected presence, Christians do not fast on Sundays (even during Lent).  The commandment to “Remember to keep the Lord’s day holy” thus means the whole day should be marked with the type of pervading  festive joy which one shows, for instance, when receiving a visit from a long absent friend.  Something to remember for tomorrow!