Jesus wanted John's disciples, along with his own disciples, to realize that while he was with them, it was a time of joy. This was not a time of mourning or fasting or weeping. It's simply inappropriate to fast at a wedding feast. No, a wedding feast is a time of celebration. But as bold as this statement is about Jesus' presence altering everything, we also find a hint that his death will alter everything again, and this time in a much more painful way.The disciples will then after mourning for three days will rejoice after Jesus' resurrection. The point: Jesus' presence conditions the time; it changes everything; it determines our joy.
During Lent fasting as a means of inward cleansing should lead to a greater joy because of closer union with God in prayer and closer bonding with fellowmen in acts of generosity and charity.It is not a time staying fixed mourning over our sinful state, instead we are required with God's grace to move on and change our nature. And also, during the present times we look forward with anticipated joy to the Second Coming of Christ.
Prayer
Almighty and tender Shepherd, I thank you for loving me so much that you hear my prayers. I believe that Jesus' presence means joy for my life. But I also recognize that I live between his two appearances on earth, and thus the joy is not as great as it was when he was here and far less than it will be when he returns. Give me strength, courage, and joy so that I can face the challenges of this waiting time with faithfulness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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