Friday after Ash Wednesday
I remember a couple of years ago when my brother got married, he and his wife took a bus around Kansas City to take pictures, while all the guests were waiting on them to arrive. They arrived late because the bus got lost to the reception venue, so all of the guests waited and waited and waited until they finally showed up! We all cheered and applauded and the celebration began!
After John the Baptist’s disciples asked Jesus, why do we fast and your disciples don’t, Jesus replied “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.” Jesus, of course, is talking about Himself and His passion.
What we experienced at my brother’s reception was the opposite of what Jesus said. Jesus and the disciples celebrated, but when Jesus was taken away they were deeply troubled. We must remember in times of uncertainty and doubt, even in our darkest moments, Jesus is always present. Even when it doesn’t feel like He is, that is when He is closest to you.
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources