The Question about Fasting

Today's Reflections

The Question about Fasting 

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Mt 9:14-15

¹⁴The disciples of John approached [Jesus] and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast [much], but your disciples do not fast?” ¹⁵Jesus 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.”

Reflection:

They will fast. When Jesus says, “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,” he is indicating that there will come a time when he will be taken away from his disciples. That time is his passion-death-resurrection-ascension when Jesus is taken away from the sight of his followers. The fasting of Jesus’ disciples is thus a work of self-denial which is a sign of their longing for his presence.

We fast not so much in sorrow but as a sign of longing for Jesus whose coming again in glory we await. We fast even as we say, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!”

By our fasting,

let us create space in our hearts for Jesus.