Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Mark 2:19

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

But He said to them: now I, the Bridegroom, am with them, and therefore they ought to rejoice, not fast; but when I am taken from this life, then, being subjected to afflictions, they will both fast and grieve. He calls Himself the "Bridegroom" not only because He betrothed to Himself virgin souls, but also because the time of His first coming is not a time of weeping and sorrow for those who believe in Him, nor a burdensome time, but one that gives us rest through baptism without the works of the law. …

Commentary on Mark ↗

Western Saints

Bede

From the time that the incarnation of our Savior was first promised to the patriarchs, it was always awaited by many upright souls with tears and mourning—until he came. From that time when, after his resurrection, he ascended to heaven, all the hope of the saints hangs upon his return. It was at the time when he was keeping company with humanity that his presence was to be celebrated. Then it would have been unfitting to weep and mourn. For like the bride, she had him with her bodily whom she loved spiritually. …

Homilies on the Gospels 1.14 ↗