“A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 9:14-15

When the bridegroom is taken from them, then they will fast.The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “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.”

The Gospel of the Lord.”

The sold out concert crowd quickly jumps up, cheering, and howls loudly for a one last song at the concert’s end, or as expected, at least a final bow. Nada.

His bodyguards and manger, as quickly as the crowd’s responses, hurries him through the long dark underground tunnels, holding him through every twists and turns.

He looks tired but still in costume. Limo door is opened and he’s clumsily placed into the backseat.

Bodyguard closes the door, taps the car hood twice and says, “Elvis has left the building.”

Welcome to the sacred season of Lent.