Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Saturday of the 13th week in ordinary time, July 5, 2025

Delivered by Bella from the Parish of Kristus Raja in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. Genesis 27: 1-5.15-29; Rs psalm 135: 1-2.3-4.5-6; Matthew 9: 14-17.PARTY STYLE AND FASTING STYLE The title for our meditation today is"Party Style and Fasting Style. A party requires the presence of peoplewho celebrate it. In the family of Isaac, the feast was celebrated in such away, though through a tactic of lies when Esau was absent, while Jacob wasdisguised to occupy Esau's position, then the element of celebration wasfulfilled. It's very difficult to understand aparty or celebration is made without the presence of all people concerned. Aparty contains meetings, talks, eating, drinking, ceremonials, singing,dancing, fun, and enjoying the joy of each other. In this understanding, thestyle of a party is clearly very different from a fast. Doing a fast, the most importantaspect in it is to experience an absence and emptiness. Aspects that are partof the absence and emptiness are like not eating, no joyful fiesta like music,singing, dancing, and meetings. There is an understanding that the Most High towhich the party is directed, neither near nor present with us humans, so thatby fasting, one can have the opportunity to focus more on finding, seeking andhoping to be with Him. These two different styles arepresented in the Gospel reading of today. John's disciples and Jewish people ingeneral did not realize, that Jesus as God was with them. They consider God wasvery far, He must be sought and asked for His coming. The strategy was to fast.While the apostles and disciples of Jesus were experiencing joy and feastbecause the Lord Jesus was with them. When the day came, when Jesus was notwith them anymore, then they fasted. For us today, fasting is stillimportant as well as parties. The Church provides regular opportunities for usas the faithful to celebrate them according to the time reserved for each ofthem. Personal fasting is often an option when people want to do certainspiritual practice. The party is also carried out both jointly and personally,as an opportunity to celebrate the presence of one another, God and men.Anyway, each one is done well, regularly and cannot be mixed up. Respect andsupport for others who are fasting or having parties are highly recommended,thus avoiding actions or certain interventions that disturb dan create trouble. Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... O Lord Jesus Christ, give us all courage to obey Your teaching aboutfasting and penance, and may we be guided always in Your Spirit to be able tocarry out the discipline of spiritual life to reach perfection as You want fromus. Hail Mary full of grace ... In the name of the Father ...