Posted by The WORD in other words (2021) by Fr Jose R. Suson, SVD – University of San Carlos, Cebu City
Friday After Ash Wednesday – Lent
The Liturgy today forgets the whole discussion of the new piece of cloth on an old cloak and the new wine in old wineskin (Mt 9:16-17) and emphasizes fasting. Abstaining from food and drink, including water, is an essential aspect of the Jews’ personal, religious, and communal life, an expression of repentance expected of everyone.
The observant Jews fast for six days of the year, except on the Sabbath or during Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement,” the holiest day of the year when they feel closest to God.
Jesus Himself practiced fasting during the forty days in the desert (Mt 4:2). But He did not demand His disciples to do the same. He left them free.
The disciples of John the Baptist and of the Pharisees, who were required to fast, wanted to know why Jesus did not insist on fasting. While the bridegroom was with them, they did not need to fast. Jesus answered with a comparison.
When the bridegroom was with the friends (the disciples) of the spouse (Jesus), such as during the wedding feast (Jesus’ time with the disciples), they were not required to fast. The day would arrive when the spouse would no longer be there. Then, they could fast if they so needed it.
In this context, Jesus implied his impending death. He knew that if He continued along this path of freedom, the religious authority would want to kill Him.
I invite you to meditate with me. What method of fasting do you observe? How can fasting benefit you to improve better your celebration of Easter?
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