IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD, THERE IS FULLNESS OF JOY

(Hebr. 5:1-10, Ps. 110, Mk. 2:18-22)

The account of the encounter of Jesus with the disciples of John recorded in the gospel reading of today is never to be taken as an attempt to debase the importance of fasting for in his discourse with His disciples when they asked why they were not able to cast out the demon, Jesus said: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" (Mt. 17:21). In fact, fasting is highly spoken of as a practice of honor amongst the Pharisees and the Jews at large which is why they will have a problem with Jesus' disciples not fasting.

Jesus' response is in no way an attempt to water down the practice of fasting. People fast for various reasons and as a matter of fact, it is a good spiritual act that helps us to know that we can do without certain things. It is a great way to learn self-discipline, to be certain that we have control over certain things rather than they have control over us. Hence, Jesus' response is to be understood in this particular context. Jesus says: "Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of fasting while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they could not think of fasting. But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then, on that day, they will fast."

The period of fasting carries with it a penitential mood which is usually a sorrowful and solemn mood, yet when we have Christ, we have everything for His presence gives us the fullness of joy. At every Jewish wedding, the couples do not go away for a honeymoon; they stayed at home. For a week or so, there is continual feasting and rejoicing, friends visit and they make merry. A wedding week is the happiest of times for them. To this week of happiness were invited the closest friends of the bride and the bridegroom, and they were called by the name children of the bride-chamber. This is the event that Jesus likens his presence with. At this wedding week, the Rabbinic ruling says that all in attendance on the bridegroom are relieved of all religious observances which would lessen their joy.

Dear friends in Christ, the basic characteristic of a Christian is joy. We must be joyful, the joy of faith, of fellowship, of service, of doing good, of giving health, peace, and hope to others, the joy of the prospect of eternal happiness. When Jesus enters our souls, we cannot remain the same, all we experience is joy even in the most difficult circumstances of life. At his crucifixion, we shall be mournful and sorrowful but joy will dawn at His resurrection for all He has come to give to us is joy. Are you joyful as a Christian?

Let us pray: O God, in you, is the fullness of joy, help us to cling to you always so that we may continue to radiate that joy wherever and in whatever we do. Amen
Have a great week ahead.