Lent, Day 32: Grieve, mourn and wail.

John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees ask Jesus why his disciples do not fast also. Jesus responds, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast."

James writes: "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you."


(Today's picture is from western doors of the Battistero di San Giovanni in Florence and depicts John's disciples visiting him in prison.)