Gospel (Mt 9,14-15) - At that time, John's disciples approached Jesus and said to him: "Why do we and the Pharisees fast many times, while your disciples do not fast?". And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and then they will fast."

The commentary on the Gospel by Monsignor Vincenzo Paglia

As we take the first steps of the Lenten journey, the Word of God reminds us that the true path is that of the heart, that is, progressing in love, friendship and generosity. The Gospel does not ask us to simply do a few more things, even if they are good. It asks for the conversion of the heart, that is, a profound change in one's life. The fasting that the Lord wants is from one's own selfishness, from concentrating on oneself and one's problems, to direct one's heart towards the Lord so that love and attention for the poorest and weakest may grow in us and in many. . The Gospel of Matthew tells us about fasting and explains its profound meaning. John's disciples, who led a more austere life than that of Jesus' followers, ask the reason for their joy. The atmosphere of celebration and joy that was created where Jesus went was there for all to see. And the disciples were happy to be with him and to share the days he spent with people to help them. Following Jesus is not a sad path based on deprivation and penance. We could say that it is exactly the opposite. John's disciples saw it and were scandalized. But Jesus makes it clear that being with him is like being at the wedding party when the groom is there. In fact, the poor had understood him: he had come among them, the one who freed them from abandonment and desperation. However, Jesus warned everyone that the Kingdom of God - the kingdom of love and peace - inevitably requires a fight against evil and, as happens in every battle, there will be difficult moments. Opponents will arise who in any way - even with illicit and violent means - will try to attack the disciples so that they no longer announce the Gospel of love and peace. In any case, it is necessary to dress up and drink the wine of mercy: it will make the disciples strong and steadfast even when they have to face difficult and suffering moments.