JESUS QUESTIONED ABOUT FASTING
Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29; Psalm 134; Matthew 9:14-17
The first reading describes how Rebekah arranged for Jacob to receive the blessings that were customarily reserved for the first-born. Inadvertently, Isaac blesses Jacob rather than Esau, his firstborn son, after being duped by the disguise. Despite all, we are reminded that God’s ways don’t always follow the blueprint we anticipate.
Similarly, Jesus is questioned in the Gospel by some of John the Baptist’s disciples about fasting. They questioned Jesus because they had anticipated that Christ’s disciples should be fasting like them. Things must not always go as we have anticipated, yet they will ultimately work out for the best interest of all. We must learn to accept the ways of God. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8). There are so many possibilities in God, customs and regulations should not deter us from these possibilities rather they should enhance our experience of God.
It is not enough to follow religious practices and customs; it is not enough to fast; we must also be open to other possibilities that available in God. Many fasted and caught ulcer. True Christians don’t just fast because others are fasting, they worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. Again, using wineskins as a case study, Jesus shows how the existing Jewish customs could be enhanced in the light of his preaching about the kingdom of God. The gospel of Christ ought to transform our thoughts, views and cultural beliefs.
LET US PRAY
Father, have mercy and save us. By the power of the Holy Spirit let there be revival in our Church. Help us to grow in our knowledge of You. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
