A Time for Clearing Space and Making Room
Friday After Ash Wednesday
Matthew 9:14-15
The Gospel today presents a simple but striking moment: the disciples of John ask Jesus why his followers aren’t fasting the way others do. Jesus responds with an image that is both tender and revealing: “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?” In other words, Jesus is saying that fasting isn’t just about giving something up; it’s about longing for someone—it's about relationship.
Lent invites us into that same longing. It’s a season of desire—a time to notice the places where we’ve grown distant from God and to let our hunger, our sacrifices, and even our discomfort draw us back to God.
Jesus’ words remind us that fasting is not an end in itself. When we fast—whether from food, habits, noise, or distractions—we’re not seeking to demonstrate our willpower or prove our holiness. We’re clearing space and making room for God.
We fast to remember what truly satifies. We fast to awaken our hearts to the presence of Christ who is always within us and among us, but who often goes unnoticed in the noise of our daily life. We’re saying, “Lord, I desire you and miss you. I want you close. I want my life to look more like yours—a life centered on and trusting God, filled with love for God and others, and lived according to God's will with humility, prayer, compassion, mercy, truthfulness, patience, selflessness, service, and generosity."
And here’s the beautiful truth: Jesus is not far off. He is not waiting for us to get everything right before he draws near. Jesus comes to us in our longing, in our trying, in our stumbling efforts to love him more. Lent simply helps us notice Jesus again.
So today, whatever you are fasting from, let it become a reminder of the One who unconditionally loves you. Let the ache in your heart point you toward Jesus who desires to be with you—not just during Lent, but always.
You are invited to reflect today about where in your life do you feel a longing for God’s presence, and how might your Lenten practices help you respond to that longing? Is your fasting drawing you closer to Jesus, or are you treating it more like a task to complete?
Lord Jesus,
You remind me that there is a time to fast,
a time to prepare, and
and a time to turn my heart towards you.
Help me this Lent to let go of what distracts me,
so I may feast on your presence.
Teach me that fasting is not about emptiness,
but about making room for your love, mercy, and joy.
Open my heart to seek you above all else,
and guide me to walk closer with you each day.
May this season of Lent draw me ever nearer to you,
the Bridegroom and my Friend.
Amen.
"Lenten and Easter Resources 2026"
This reflection was prepared with the assistance of CoPilot.