WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER
Luke 7, 31-35:
“John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, he has a devil; the Son of Man comes, eating and drinking, and you say, look at that man who is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of publicans and sinners”.
The line that John the Baptist followed in his life was one of hard austerity. Living in the desert, he fed on insects and wild honey. He also wore this austerity in his way of dressing and even in his way of relating to others.
Jesus is very different. His austerity has only one motive and one end: the proclamation of the Kingdom and unconditional service to others. He only goes into the desert to pray to the Father and to confirm his mission. We see Jesus always surrounded by people. He relates to all those who seek him or whom he seeks.
He talks to people, cares for people, rejoices with people and even cries with people.
Live like Jesus also in austerity.
But, like Jesus, you also enjoy life. Open yourself to relationships and to being together. Live the joys and anxieties of your community and your world.
And may your austerity always be motivated and caused by your love and dedication to others.
Good day.
Antonio María Sanjuán Marín, cmf
