Greetings on this the Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hebrews 5:1-10; Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4; Mark 2:18-22
Not so Fast
The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. Jesus’ disciples did not yet have a fast.
From the gospel of Luke: The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.
We always have to be careful and not try and discern the thoughts and motivations of others as sport. Sometimes we must discern as a necessity.
What were they thinking?
Here is the NABRE commentary on this topic of fasting.
Can the wedding guests fast?: the bridal metaphor expresses a new relationship of love between God and his people in the person and mission of Jesus to his disciples. It is the inauguration of the new and joyful messianic time of fulfillment and the passing of the old. Any attempt at assimilating the Pharisaic practice of fasting, or of extending the preparatory discipline of John’s disciples beyond the arrival of the bridegroom, would be as futile as sewing a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak or pouring new wine into old wineskins with the resulting destruction of both cloth and wine (Mk 2:21–22). Fasting is rendered superfluous during the earthly ministry of Jesus; cf. Mk 2:20. See: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/2?22=#49002022
Sorrow
“Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.
Presence
When in the presence of Jesus there is cause for Joy. When we are right with God, fasting is superfluous. It is the case that when we prepare to be in Jesus’ presence fasting is in order. This is one of our Season of Lent practices, to fast.
My Inventory Question
Here is how we can take on the question of fasting.
- How is my life with Jesus? Is it a joyous and peaceful relationship? Then don’t fast.
- Is my relationship with Jesus and others filled with contention? Then consider fasting and confession.
This is an over-simplification of the question of fasting. But it is quite useful place to start.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012025.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry