Praying

Whether on the rosary or praising God in your own words. . . Our heart is important in prayer

Monday Week 2 – Heb 5:1-10; Ps 109:1-4; Mark 2:18-22

What should our religiosity embody? Today, I reflected on the Gospel, where the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees criticised Jesus’ disciples for not fasting. Jesus responded that they could not fast while the Bridegroom was present. This led me to contemplate the significance of old and new garments, as well as old wineskins and new wine.

I find myself questioning the nature of our religiosity. Should it be serious and austere, or should it be joyful and vibrant? Frequently, we hear the critique that our faith lacks joy, and that our sombre expressions fail to attract others. Conversely, a joyful approach to Christianity can sometimes serve as a justification for a lack of rigor — both in our expectations of others and ourselves.

Upon reflecting on this Gospel, I believe that contemporary Christianity should prioritise faithfulness — faithfulness to the Bridegroom, faithfulness to Christ. The specific expressions of this faith are secondary. It is crucial that we avoid the pitfalls of superficiality, whether through the imposition of a raw cloth patch on old garments or by pouring new wine into old wineskins. In essence, we must strive to be genuine and sincere in our faith, rather than merely focusing on appearances. Both seriousness and joy can be valuable and beneficial, as long as they are rooted in authenticity.