Friday of week 22 in Ordinary Time 



1 Corinthians 4:1-5 

Psalm 36(37):3-6,27-28,39-40

Luke 5:33-39





In today’s gospel, Jesus mentions that when the bridegroom is taken away, His followers will fast. There are moments in our lives when we experience this sense of the bridegroom's absence. This phrase can also symbolize various situations beyond the specific event in the Garden of Gethsemane, such as the night after Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot through a kiss, leading to His arrest on Holy Thursday. One significant interpretation of this 'taking away' is the feeling of Christ's absence when we sense His distance from us. This feeling can result from our own sins, which create spiritual barriers, or from moments when we grow closer to Christ but His presence seems hidden. In the latter case, it is often a divine intention to encourage us to seek Him more earnestly. Fasting in these moments acts as a spiritual discipline that helps us overcome sinful attachments, strengthen our will, and purify our desires. When we feel distant from Christ due to our sins, fasting can serve as a powerful tool for repentance and renewal. Conversely, when our growing closeness to Jesus causes Him to hide His presence, fasting becomes a means of deepening our faith and commitment. It becomes an act of self-denial and sacrifice, encouraging us to detach from worldly and fleshly temptations so that our spirits might more fully crave and embrace Christ. Fasting may take different forms—abstaining from food, refraining from entertainment, or other acts of discipline—but at its core, it is a voluntary surrender, a way to align our will with God's. It assists us in overcoming earthly desires, fostering a spiritual hunger for Christ and a more authentic connection with Him. No matter the reason, fasting remains a vital practice in our spiritual journey, reminding us of God's unwavering faithfulness and encouraging reliance on Him in both times of celebration and austerity. Today, reflect on how intensely you desire Christ in your life. If you notice competing desires that distract from your devotion, consider offering small acts of fasting and self-denial as sacrifices to God. These simple offerings can bear abundant spiritual fruit, drawing you closer to Him.

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