Homily Cycle II 3/04/2022 [Friday After Ash Wednesday]
Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030422.cfm
In Jesus time the Jewish people held 3 great works of religious life: almsgiving, prayer and fasting.
1. Fasting is beneficial for our health, physical & spiritual.
2. Promotes self-discipline & doing without some things
3. Helps us appreciate what we have
Lent reminds us to practice those same religious works. In Jesus time a Wedding was a time of rejoicing, joy and plenty; the bride & groom were treated like a king and a queen for a week to celebrate their Wedding. Some of you may remember Fr. Cletus, he told us that in Nigeria when he was growing up the Baptism of a baby was a grand occasion for a great celebration in his village. On that occasion the children could eat as much rice as they wanted, and they looked forward to a Baptism.
In today’s Gospel Jesus said that His disciples are not fasting because they are with the Bridegroom. That means they cannot fast while Jesus is with them. Being a disciple of Jesus is a feast to be enjoyed and celebrated, but Jesus, also said, there will be times of suffering.
Christian life has a Great Ending because that End is the Great Beginning of Eternal Life with Jesus. Lent is a time to remember to focus our life through the lens of Eternal Life.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, intercede for us.
St. Irenaeus, ask God to help the Ukrainians.
May God Be Praised and your day be Blessed.
And with St. Francis de Sales let us remember, "We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God."
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