The Fast focuses on limiting the body so as to benefit the soul. The development of the soul is the purpose of life. Making it conscious of God through Jesus Christ and ultimately by God's Grace and by my own direction, repentance, etc., and becoming One with God. This is a never ending and challenging process. One that only the saints have achieved;but being humanly possible through their example, a path that might be obtainable. The supreme desire being closeness and relationship with Jesus Christ and my desire for the Kingdom.
One does that by limiting the body's desires. The body is like a spoiled and demanding child. It is up to me to guide it and allow it the things it has, rather than letting it run out of control.
So in the Fast one guides it, directs it and allows it things under the rule of the Church. It is easier for me because I can say, these are the options. Without having that "rule", it is most difficult.
So I need to think about a rule for Feasting. I do better with guidelines. What is a good way for my body to behave that will help my soul grow? I think of the 'Wedding in Cana', where the Mother of God asked Jesus to make water into wine as the wine had run out. He made better wine for the guests that the host had provided. So He wants the Feast to be the best. Wine alone doesn't make a Feast. His Presence does.
In the story of the 'Prodigal Son', the father prepares the fatted calf for his wayward son. The best! But there would have been no Feast for that son if he had not returned and begged his father to forgive him and be joined with and in the company of his father.
Hmmm...this calls to mind the 'golden calf' that was erected by the Jews on their way to the promised land.
The Feast has the true focus of the Presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
This requires yet more prayer and thought.
0 comments:
Post a Comment