The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” // Matthew 9:14
The most wonderful wedding reception I ever went to was in June 2019 for my dear friend Sarah. I showed up in a beautiful dress I felt great in, rocked my bold lip, and knew not a single person. And yet, I had the most wonderful time. I had fascinating conversations over dinner with strangers on the things you should never talk about (religion and politics), and I danced my face off at the reception. It was a beautiful celebration of love; this was a time of joyous celebration.
Sometimes life calls for a time of celebrating, while other times it calls for a time of fasting.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples of His cousin John and that the time for celebration is now as Jesus is still with them. However, a time will come when His earthly presence with His followers will end; this then is the time for fasting. Jesus is implying there is a certain timing to life.
To walk with Jesus, we must always remember that there is a time for fasting and a time for celebrating. Being a follower of Jesus is never one-dimensional. It is continual, evolving, and ever-new. These different times or seasons of life call forth new things from us, sometimes it challenges us. And sometimes life calls us to celebrate, be joyful, and yes, dance our face off.
What is the season or time of life you find yourself in right now? What could be the lessons or insights Jesus is trying to teach right where life finds you?
Wherever you are, be fully present to that moment, trusting the divine work of Love in your life.
Being a follower of Jesus is never one-dimensional. // Patty BreenClick to tweet
Patty Breen serves as Ministry Formation Manager of Ascension Health and writes online in several different spaces. Her loves include CrossFit, writing and speaking, strong cups of coffee, Ignatian spirituality, and loving on her godchildren, niece, and nephew. Patty is passionate about messy and deep conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and ministry. Find out more about her here.
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