Overview:

Friday after Ash Wednesday

A Reflection for Friday after Ash Wednesday

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.” (Matthew 9:14-15)

Find today’s readings here.

In this Gospel passage, Jesus’ humanity is on full display.

It is so refreshing and fulfilling to see Jesus as a man who experienced joy and wanted his friends to do the same. 

He shares that the reason his disciples do not fast is because he is with them, meaning it is a time for gladness and gratitude. He compares fasting in his presence to fasting at a wedding: It shouldn’t be done at a time meant for celebration. We should surrender to the goodness of these instances. And being present to joyful moments doesn’t mean that we aren’t taking the rest of our lives seriously.

Bad things, unfortunately, will come regardless. Jesus’ words are a reminder that we should not feel guilty, nor should we question it, when we experience joy. The following quotes, attributed to two well-known figures in the world of Jesuit spirituality, jumped to mind after reading today’s Gospel: 

“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J.

“If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it.” – Mary Oliver

Being present in a joyful moment does not sound like a tall task. It should be easy. But in reality, it can be quite difficult. The everyday worries of life, small or large, find a way to creep into our minds and take us away from good things.

This Lent, I will do my best to remember that God wants us to be joyful, and make a point to be fully present to good moments when they come around, particularly in the midst of difficult, upsetting and scary things going on. Being present to our joy and experiencing gratitude, even in the smallest of ways, is the greatest armor we have against the toughest parts of life.

Jackson Goodman is the Strategic Programs Manager at America Media, creating mission-driven events in partnership with Jesuit schools and parishes. He is a graduate of Fordham Prep and Boston College.