The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to celebrate the times of restoration and renewal that are often preceded by contemplation and fasting.
The reading from the Prophet Amos proclaims The Restoration of David’s Kingdom
* [9:11–15] These verses are most likely an editorial supplement to Amos, added to bring the book into harmony with the positive thrust of the prophetic books in general, especially those written after the exile, when the final edition of Amos was probably completed. The editors would have seen the destruction of Samaria in 722/721 B.C. as the fulfillment of Amos’s prophecies, but in this epilogue they express the view that destruction was not the Lord’s final word for Israel. In Acts 15:15–17, James interprets this passage in a messianic sense. The fallen hut of David: the Davidic kingdom, which included what later became the divided Northern and Southern Kingdoms. All nations claimed in my name: lit., “all nations over whom my name has been pronounced.” This idiom denotes ownership.
* [9:14] Rebuild…inhabit…plant…drink: in this era of restoration, the Lord nullifies the curse of 5:11, which uses these same four verbs, and turns it into a blessing for Israel.(Amos, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)
Psalm 85 is a Prayer for the Restoration of God’s Favour.
* [Psalm 85] A national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness (Ps 85:2–4) and begging for forgiveness and grace now (Ps 85:5–8). A speaker represents the people who wait humbly with open hearts (Ps 85:9–10): God will be active on their behalf (Ps 85:11–13). The situation suggests the conditions of Judea during the early postexilic period, the fifth century B.C.; the thoughts are similar to those of postexilic prophets (Hg 1:5–11; 2:6–9).
* [85:9] The prophet listens to God’s revelation, cf. Heb 2:1. (Psalms, PSALM 85 | USCCB, n.d.)
The Gospel of Matthew addresses the Question about Fasting.
* [9:15] Fasting is a sign of mourning and would be as inappropriate at this time of joy, when Jesus is proclaiming the kingdom, as it would be at a marriage feast. Yet the saying looks forward to the time when Jesus will no longer be with the disciples visibly, the time of Matthew’s church. Then they will fast: see Didache 8:1.
* [9:16–17] Each of these parables speaks of the unsuitability of attempting to combine the old and the new. Jesus’ teaching is not a patching up of Judaism, nor can the gospel be contained within the limits of Mosaic law. (Matthew, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)
Barbara Dilly (2018) comments that peoples everywhere seem to think it is their right to run other peoples from their lands, from their gardens, and from their homes. This is nothing new. The Old Testament is full of tragic stories of violence and rage toward others over lands and resources. She asks how do God’s people learn to live in peace? How do they learn to live in kindness and truth? How do they learn to walk with justice?
I agree with Pope Francis that it is when they learn to care for their common home and for others, to protect all the lands of the earth and their ability to provide for the needs of all people. We certainly aren’t there yet. We who claim to follow Jesus have a lot of work to do to if we want to dwell in our own land in peace and justice with all that we need restored to us. To achieve that, we should also help others to enjoy the same blessings. Food and environmental justice, it seems to me, is a good focus for that work. (Dilly, 2024)
Don Schwager quoted “No need to fast in the presence of the Bridegroom,” by Hilary of Poitiers (315-367 AD).
"The Pharisees and John's disciples were fasting, and the apostles were not. But Jesus answered them in a spiritual way and indicated to John's disciples that he was a bridegroom. John taught that all hope in life lay in Christ. While he was still preaching, however, his disciples could not be received by the Lord. Up until the time of John, the law and the prophets prevailed, and unless the law came to an end, none of them would subscribe to faith in the gospel. The fact that he said there was no need for his disciples to fast as long as the bridegroom is with them illustrates the joy of his presence and the sacrament of the holy food, which no one need be without while he is present, that is, bearing Christ in the light of the mind. But once he is gone, Jesus says that they will fast, for all those who do not believe that Christ has risen will not have the food of life. By faith in the resurrection, the sacrament of the heavenly bread is received. Whoever is without Christ will be forsaken, fasting from the food of life." (excerpt from the commentary ON MATTHEW 9.3) (Schwager, n.d.)
The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 9:14-17 asks what does the word “bridegroom” tell us about Jesus?
The bridegroom is in love. He chooses from this time forward to give his whole life to the bride. He gazes on her with affection and cherishes her. He is eager to take care of her and serve her. That’s what Jesus does. He lays down his life for his bride, the Church. He wants each one of us to understand just how intensely he treasures and loves us.
The bridegroom is committed. He promises to be faithful to his bride in good times and in bad. Even if the bride is disloyal, he remains dedicated to her. Likewise, even when we sin, Jesus never turns his back on us. He has made a way for us to return to him and be restored. And when we falter, he intercedes for us at the Father’s right hand.
The bridegroom is expectant. He looks forward to life together with his bride, to years of growing closer and deeper in love. Jesus, too, looks forward with joy to the life he will live with us and in us. That life starts now, and it’s fulfilled forever in heaven. Jesus, our Bridegroom, longs to bring us with him into his heavenly kingdom!
“Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see you as our Bridegroom! Open my heart to your deep, profound love!” (Meditation on Matthew 9:14-17, n.d.)
Friar Jude Winkler comments on the promise of restoration to Amos that follows the judgement of the Lord. The disciples cannot fast when the Bridegroom of the Church, Christ is still with them. Friar Jude reminds us that ritual fasting is appropriate to mourn the death of Christ. Friar Jude notes the attachment to Matthew of two sayings based in Mark on mixing the old and the new.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Sarah Bessey who names the need to be “for” something good, not merely “against” what is wrong.
If it helps, sometimes I’ve thought of this as the rhythm of turning away and then turning toward, almost like a beautiful dance…. We turn away from those things we’re against and toward the hopeful future we imagine. In a purposeful movement, we turn away from the practices or beliefs or habits that consume us, threaten us, reduce us, and distract us. And then we turn toward what brings flourishing, goodness, and truth to us. Turn away, yes, and turn toward…. What we turn toward should reorient us to the world in a posture of love, joy, and service.
It can be a simple rhythm to begin with. Turning away from spaces in social media that have become toxic for you and turning toward inviting a lonely neighbor over for tea. Turning away from voices that bring shame and guilt to you or others and turning toward voices that preach freedom and wholeness and love. Or turning away from shrinking back and shutting up to keep the peace; turning toward owning your voice, your body, your experiences with boldness. Turning away from gossip and petty nitpicking; turning toward language of blessing…. (Rohr, n.d.)
We are grateful for times when we can fast from events and contemplate the transformation we live as followers of Christ.
References
Amos, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/amos/9?11
Dilly, B. (2024, July 6). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved July 6, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/070624.htm
Matthew, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/9?14
Meditation on Matthew 9:14-17. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved July 6, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/07/06/1017430/
Psalms, PSALM 85 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 6, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85?9
Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 6, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-prayerful-rhythm-of-life-weekly-summary/
Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Day Will Come When They Will Fast. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 6, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=jul6
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