Luke 5:33-39 Reflection ~
As a child, I used a metal canteen that was easily dented to quench my thirst on forest hikes. Now, I use a nearly indestructible plastic bottle. Combined, they are a metaphor as both were necessary for my spiritual journey, as I need Grace that brings me to my knees and Grace that fills me with joy. We are God’s receptive containers; allow yourself to be filled and transformed with Graces that you willingly and uniquely pour out for others. You will discover that this outpouring is fasting from your selfish needs within all the beautiful God moments you enter.
The Pharisees Question Jesus by James Tissot (full resolution painting) and for more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 5:33-39 – Scripture (NRSV Bible)
The Question about Fasting
33 Then they said to him, “John’s disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink.” 34 Jesus said to them, “You cannot make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? 35 The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” 36 He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine, but says, ‘The old is good.’”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Luke 5:33-39 Reflection – Fasting.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings or other contemplative material to this Web-based ministry? Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 5 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.