2nd. February. 2022. Daily Devotion.
14 Then John’s disciples came and asked him, ‘How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’
15 Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
16 ‘No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out, and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.’ Matthew 9:14-17
Jesus knew he was only on earth for a short time. He knew that, soon enough, the day would come when his disciples would mourn; even after his resurrection, they would miss his physical presence. Jesus also promised that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to comfort the disciples after he ascended.
It is right and good to celebrate when times are happy; we do not mourn simply because we will die someday. The nature of physical life is ephemeral. Should we be like the grim Greek philosopher Epictetus, who said, “When you are kissing your child, say to yourself, ‘One day you will die.’”?
Christ gives us a lesson in life as well as religion. We are to take our lives, filled though they may be with trouble and affliction, as a time of joy. For we live in hope of eternal life; and we are especially grateful to have a period on earth, to help and serve others and to live and spread God’s word, that we might save ourselves and others.
Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
Almighty God, Who has given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee and does promise that when two or three are gathered together in Thy name you will grant their requests; fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of your servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the world to come life everlasting, Amen.
Respect for all life
God our Father, inspire us with a great respect for all human life from the time of the child growing in the womb to the point of death. May that respect lead us to grow in a sense of responsibility for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world, knowing that, where one person suffers and is degraded, all of humanity is belittled and abused. May we grow in a sense of love and care for those less fortunate than ourselves and lead us to do something about the troubles in our world.
Dedication
Let me not forget you as I go out into the world today, blessed Lord; may my every word be a prayer, and my every act be testimony to your love and truth, and may I know your presence every second of this day. Amen.