Dear Gramps,
I am reading in Matthew Chapter 9 verse 14 through 17.Can you please clarify the meaning of these verses for me?
Paul, Stillwater New York
Dear Paul,
Fasting, of course, requires a bit of self discipline. But the fasting required by the Lord is not just an exercise in will power–to go without food for a certain period of time. But the fast prescribed by the Lord has an essential intellectual and emotional content. During the fast, we are to reflect on the great atoning sacrifice of the Savior; we are to reflect on our covenant with the Lord formalized at our baptism that we will take upon ourselves His name, keep His commandments and remain true and faithful all the days of our lives. The time of fasting is a time for meditation and prayer. As we resist the temptation to satisfy the bodily appetite of hunger, we gain strength to resist other bodily appetites and passions. Jesus, replying to the disciples of John, is telling them that while the Redeemer of mankind is with them, is it a time of rejoicing and happiness; and that time will indeed be short. He is implying that there will be adequate time for such introspection when He is no longer with them, but now they should enjoy His presence.
Gramps
