Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Saturday of the thirteenth week in ordinary time, July 4, 2026

Delivered by Heidy from the Parish of Christ the King in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Amos 9: 11-15; Rs psalm 85: 9.11-12.13-14; Matthew 9: 14-17.PARTY STYLE ANDFASTING STYLE The theme for our meditation today is: Party Style and Fasting Style. Ayoung girl celebrated her seventeenth birthday with great joy. Most of theguests were her school friends, and each brought her a gift. Her family alsoprepared a special present because she was the eldest of three children. Thecelebration was held on the beach on a bright sunny day. She was grateful andvery happy on her special day. A celebration is meaningful because people come together. Family andfriends meet, talk, share stories, eat and drink, sing, and enjoy one another'scompany. A joyful celebration is very different from fasting. Each has its ownpurpose. The essential characteristic of fasting is the experience of absence,self-denial, and sacrifice. When there is a sense of loss or longing, peopleusually set aside eating, drinking, entertainment, and other forms ofcelebration. There is no atmosphere of music, dancing, or festivity. Fastingexpresses our desire to seek the Lord more deeply. It reminds us that we longfor God's presence and wish to draw closer to Him through prayer,self-discipline, and spiritual renewal. This contrast is illustrated in today's Gospel. The disciples of Johnand many of the Jews did not recognize that Jesus, the Lord Himself, wasalready present among them. They thought of God as distant and believed thatfasting was the proper way to seek Him. In contrast, Jesus' apostles anddisciples rejoiced because the Bridegroom was with them. It was a time forcelebration, not for fasting. Jesus also taught that when He was taken awayfrom them, then it would be the proper time to fast. For us today, both fasting and celebration remain important. The Churchprovides regular occasions for fasting and for joyful feasts through theliturgical calendar. Many people also choose to fast as part of their personalspiritual discipline. Likewise, we celebrate feasts, both in large and smallgatherings, to give thanks for the gift of one another and for God's presencein our lives. The important lesson is that both celebration and fasting have theirown time and purpose. We should do each in the right way and respect those whoare celebrating or fasting. At one time we may celebrate, and at another timewe may fast. So, let us not disturb one another, but support each other inliving our faith. Let us pray.In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.Amen.Lord Jesus Christ, help us follow Your teaching on fasting and everyspiritual practice. May Your Holy Spirit guide us always, so that we may do allthings with faith, hope, and love.Hail Mary, full of grace...In the name of the Father, and of the Son, andof the Holy Spirit. Amen.