Readings
I - Is. 58: 1-9
II - Mt. 9: 14-1
COME BACK TO THE LORD
Fasting is sign of mourning. It is unfitting for anyone to mourn in the presence of Jesus. This is why in today’s Gospel passage Jesus says to the disciples of John the Baptist who enquired why his disciples do not fast, “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”. Jesus, the saviour wishes and wills to be always with us. But with our anger, jealousy, hatred, pride, ego, selfishness and greed we try to eliminate, alienate and evade his presence in our life. Lent is the grace full season, a season of blessing and beckoning to return back to the Lord through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
St. Pope John Paul II says, “Jesus himself has shown us by his own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil”. May our fasting, prayer, abstinence and acts of charity draw us towards the heart of Jesus in love and self-giving. At the end of the day take some time to reflect with all the practices and efforts whether we were able to be drawn towards the heart of Jesus that loves us unconditionally and unreservedly. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Draw me close to your love Lord”
