The Hidden Joy of Sacrifice
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
Matthew 6:16-18
When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.
Grace Prayed For
I pray for the grace of Spiritual Cheerfulness—that my Lenten disciplines would be a joyful offering to God rather than a source of complaint.
Reflection
Jesus suggests that we should “anoint our heads”—a sign of celebration—while we are in the midst of sacrifice. This seems counter-intuitive, but it is the secret to deep intimacy. When we suffer a small lack (like fasting) with a joyful heart, we join in the sacrificial love of Jesus. He isn’t asking us to pretend that sacrifice doesn’t hurt; He is asking us to value the connection with Him more than the comfort we are giving up. Intimacy is found when we realize that what we gain in the “hidden place” is far better than what we lose at the table.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post