The disciples of Jesus are not gloomy, downcast individuals. They eat and drink, and are happy to have Jesus in their midst. It’s no wonder that they did not fast regularly. The bridegroom was with them.
And the bridegroom remains with us today. How fortunate we are to encounter him in others, especially the hungry, the homeless, the imprisoned, the marginalized. He is here! Do I realize that in reaching out to my brother or sister in need, I am reaching out to him? “What you do for the least of my brothers or sisters, you do for me.”
Does the Lord’s continued presence in others bring me joy? Do I smile frequently? Do others sense my deep joy? Do I take delight in the service of others? Let us not be gloomy-faced disciples!
—Fr. Don Petkash, S.J. is Vice-President for Mission and Identity and superior of the Jesuit community at Walsh Jesuit High School, Cuyahoga Falls, OH.