Celebrating the Bridegroom!

Friday, February 20, 2026

Is 58:1-9a; Mt 9:14-15

Today’s Gospel invites us to draw a sharp distinction between celebration and mourning.

While the text seems to initiate a discussion around fasting, Jesus takes it far deeper than food and ritual.

In Jesus’ exposition, we understand that a distinction is to be made between the words ‘celebration’ and ‘mourning.’

By referring to himself as the bridegroom, Jesus calls for celebration in his presence. But what does it mean to celebrate the bridegroom? Celebrating the bridegroom is living him. In other words, honoring Jesus or celebrating his presence should be done in the way we live out his teachings meticulously. For Jesus, true celebration is about imitating him more closely. It is to obey him. It is to show him our fidelity. It is striving to become the best disciple we each can be.

Likewise, mourning is not about being sad but honestly acknowledging our inability to imitate Jesus faithfully. Spiritual encounters with Jesus and translating his words to practice are integral to Christian discipleship. Hence, failing to commune with Christ is to fail as a disciple. We cannot just be the distant admirers of Jesus but become his followers who will offer witness through life. For these reasons, a life away from Christ and a life that cannot radiate Christ should cause in us a deeper sorrow.

As regards Jesus, a religious ritual like fasting that cannot lead to finding communion with God is pointless. Our union with Christ becomes primary. Whatever does not help such a union or spoils it is merely a distraction in the name of spiritual exercises. 

The presence of Christ is a priceless gift. Its invitation to transformation is more binding. 

Let us pray that we may honor Jesus through an exemplary life.

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar