REFLECTIONS TODAY Fasting is the inevitable response to a grievous sacred moment in life, such as death, sin, and tragedy. When one is moved to tears by grief, one loses the urge to eat. Fasting helps people to express grief over their sins and their seriousness in returning to the path of godly obedience. At the preaching of Jonah, the people of Nineveh — from the king to the lowest servant, even the beast — repented and covered themselves in sackcloth, did not taste anything, and turned from their evil way and the violence of their hand (Jon 3:6-9). On the other hand, the wedding feast symbolizes the time of blessings and happiness. In the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, there shall be heard “the song of joy, the song of gladness, the song of the bridegroom, the song of the bride” (Jer 33:11). Whereas the disciples of John and the Pharisees boast of their righteousness by fasting as form of repentance, Jesus opens a new horizon. As the “bridegroom,” he invites people to the realm of God’s salvation by announcing the joy of the Gospel. As consequence, “the joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 1). Gospel • 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.” Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.