The Bridegroom
Friday After Ash Wednesday
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
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.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus is bringing up a very important principle in a simple way—He is a masterful teacher! Jesus is saying that not all times demand the same thing. In the Christian life there isn’t just suffering all the time…but there isn’t just merriment all the time either. There isn’t just work all the time… but there isn’t just relaxation all the time. We don’t have a “health and wealth” Gospel, nor do we have a “sickness and poverty” Gospel. The Christian life is a full life that can’t be lived or understood by just one feeling or mood.
Our Christian life has all this complexity and richness because Christ’s life on earth was rich and full. The Christian life isn’t just about living like Christ. It’s about living in Christ and with Christ. We are meant to be one with Him—in His life, and He in ours. That is why we have “Liturgy” in the Church. By going to Mass, living the liturgical seasons, suffering in Lent, and rejoicing in Easter—we aren’t just remembering Jesus, we are living His very life with Him. We do all these things because we are the Body of Christ, connected to Him and His Life. That is the main reason why we sacrifice and fast in Lent, and then feast at Easter. In prayer, consider how this truth enriches your Lenten sacrifice and how it will enrich your Easter joy!
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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