It’s Ordinary Time, and maybe we’d like to do something special for God. The apostles want to fast! Jesus is not impressed. He has the perfect response: Wedding guests don’t hide the cake or stop the music while the bridegroom is still at the party! The bridegroom, of course, is Jesus himself, but…who is the bride?
That answer comes from the whole history of Israel. In all the prophets and psalms, Israel was the bride! And now, it’s the Church!—just like a fresh wine in fresh wineskins. But Jesus warns about “when the bridegroom is taken away”—what does that mean for us in the world where the bridegroom appears in every Mass, and the Real Presence of Jesus is always present to be adored in the tabernacle? It’s a very sweet paradox! Ever since the Resurrection, the Bridegroom never leaves! So fast, if you must, from other things, but be sure not to miss the bridegroom’s banquet!
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those who have been hurt, killed and impacted by terrorist attacks. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen
"Lay all your cares about the future trustingly in God's hands, and let yourself be guided by the Lord just like a little child." St. Edith Stein
Yes, Miguel, "In all the prophets and psalms, Israel was the bride! And now, it’s the Church!" Studying Revelation 12 this week at BSF...I learn the same!!! *** Revelation 12:1, "A great sign appeared in heaven. It was a woman wearing the sun like clothes. The moon was under her feet. On her head she wore a crown of 12 stars. She was pregnant. She cried out in pain because she was about to have a baby." *** BSF question: Who might the woman in Revelation 12:1 represent? My answer: God's people, the Church!!! She wore a crown of 12 stars - the 12 tribes of Israel! From her: His bride, His chosen people 12 tribes of Israel, the tribe of Judah, the Messiah, the Church, His people! Hebrews 7:14a, "It is clear that our Lord (Jesus) came from the family line of Judah!" *** The Word of God in Hebrews 4:12, "The Word of God is alive and active. It is sharper than any sword that has two edges. It cuts deep enough to separate soul from spirit. It can separate bones from joints. It judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart!" ******* When was the last time the reading of the Word of God makes you cry during mass? Nehemiah 8:9-10, "Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Amen!!!
Today, many people try to fulfill the flesh in hopes of bringing about a celebration! They have put the cart before the horse. Deep down, we know that this is disordered thinking. But rather than calling on him, asking for help, we listen to the devil saying “just a little won’t matter.” I try to ignore the seriousness of my decisions by numbing myself rather than in trusting him. All I really have to do is resist, and the devil will flea. Resist from minute to minute, and from glory to glory! The Truth is I do not even want any of those distractions - they will NEVER fill me up. Only He can fulfill who I am and was meant to be. Joy, Peace, Love, His.
Hello Miguel, Fasting has never been my “go to offering”, so I never thought of fasting from our presence with the Lord. It’s more of neglect and preoccupation with worldly concerns.
We are never to fast from God. You are correct, it is the fasting from our flesh, weaknesses, and other distractions that prove our love for Him. ‘Jesus learned obedience through suffering’ as one of the readings said today. We are to do the same especially when we are feeling far from him or are in great need. Yes he is always with us, but we do not give him honour, and at times neglect him. Ironically, the fasting itself cannot be done without His help, protection and help, so we call on him forth to makes us hallow. He is the He is the Way, The Truth, and the Light. (The Means, the Goal, and the needed magnification so to speak.)
Miguel what encouraging words thank you. Living with the love of God each day. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with additional struggles these days and may we all go out and spread the love of God through all the world.
Additional prayers for the presidential inauguration today. May God be present in this new President of the United States and guide him to do Gods loving will through all the world.
Amen!
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit, that I may grow in the knowledge of your great love and truth. Help me to seek you earnestly in prayer and fasting that I may turn away from sin and wilfulness and conform my life more fully to your will. May I always find joy in knowing, loving, and serving You who are My All."
I am so blessed ???? Thank you Lord for giving us the opportunity to feast with you. Saved by Grace! Be blessed Y'all ???? Yana
Oh Miguel, what a beautiful commentary. Thank you Lord for including me in the invitation to your banquet and for the Grace to respond. It has made all the difference in the world and especially in my life. Your words Lord - “I came so that they may have life and have it in abundance” have been fulfilled in my life and for all who call you Lord and Savior. Come Lord Jesus, come Holy Spirit and renew the face of the earth. May the party never end until all have opened their invitation and responded yes to your call. Save your people Lord! Alleluia!!
Love this Anne. Amen.
Amen
Beautiful reflection and response, Anne ❤️ Yesss, pass out the invitations ✝️
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Hi, brothers & sisters, in Christ, i need Living Faith Daily Devotion of the book, how to buy it? i am from Beijing of China.thanks ! Also digital book is okay! Blessed