Friday, September 04, 2020 - 22nd week of Ordinary Time - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 5, 33-39 - I am the light of the world, says the Lord. Whoever follows me will have the light of life.

The Pharisees and scribes asked Jesus a trick question about fasting and certain practices that his disciples did not observe. Jesus clearly answered that the bridegroom would leave them, only then would they fast.

The bridegroom He is referring to here is Himself, Jesus. As long as He is among us, our lives should always be filled with joy. When the Nativity, for example, comes, the Church encourages us to welcome it and celebrate it joyfully. On the other hand, there is a day when the bridegroom is taken from us, Good Friday. There the Church encourages us to fast.

Thus, the fast that we do is a way of loving God and neighbor. A way that will renew our way of life and our way of thinking and especially our spiritual life. Let us always purify our hearts so that God can pour new wine into them through the graces He gives.

The fasting and prayer we practice should be done with love. It is the guarantee of having a new heart to overcome bad habits.