Reflect on the balance of spiritual practices with daily responsibilities through the lens of Matthew 9:14-15 in today's Gospel Reflection, emphasizing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Today's Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15
“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.”
So we read in Ecclesiastes 3:1—and, in a way, in today’s Gospel. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) tells us, fasting “prepare[s] us for the liturgical feasts” and “help[s] us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart” (2043). As Jesus was with them, the apostles were living in a continuous liturgical feast!
Even today, the Church does not require us to fast if we are pregnant, nursing, or otherwise physically unable. There is no set amount of alms we are required to give, because it varies based on our ability. Even prayer, which is expected of every Christian, varies depending on vocation and season of life.
Last year, a priest reminded me during Confession that if my time reading the Bible was replaced by time caring for my children, it wasn’t something I needed to confess. It was very true and a reminder I needed to hear in that sleepless postpartum time of my life. Still, I sometimes find myself wondering if I’m using “but I’m caring for my children” as an excuse—an invalid one.
The apostles didn’t break all the rules while Jesus was with them. Surely, too, they prayed to their Father in Heaven, despite the fact that His Son was with them on earth. After all, Jesus did! We know He took time away from His busy ministry to pray in solitude. How many people could He have been healing or teaching while He was praying instead? Probably many—but He knew that He needed that prayer time in order to heal and teach. Just the same, if I do not pray, I will not be able to serve the children God has entrusted to me.
Ponder:
Am I spending enough time in prayer to equip me for the vocation God gave me?
Pray:
Lord, please help me to see the times in my life when I should feast and the times in my life when I should fast.
Pray Together:
Is there a feast day this Lent that is special to your family? Decide how you will celebrate it! The Bridegroom will be with you.
Copyright 2026 Taryn DeLong
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