Posted by The WORD in other words (2010) by Father Wilfredo Mislang SVD – Verbum House of Studies, Los Banos, Laguna
Friday 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
Whenever I ride a bus to Manila, I cannot help but notice how drivers and conductors often stop at railroad crossings in Bucal, Pansol, and elsewhere, even though the railway system has long been inoperative. They seem to perform this action almost automatically, out of routine rather than conscious reflection.
This reminds me of what our Lord said about some of the religious leaders of His time. They faithfully observed religious practices, but often in a mechanical and routine manner, without understanding their deeper meaning. Jesus warned against such empty religiosity: “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Mark 7:6; cf. Isaiah 29:13).
The Jews fasted for several reasons:
- Fasting was a sign of mourning for the dead (cf. 2 Samuel 1:12).
- Fasting was an expression of repentance for sin (cf. Joel 2:12-13).
- Fasting was a way of preparing for God’s intervention and the coming of the Messiah (cf. Zechariah 8:19).
We cannot be certain why John’s disciples fasted, but it was probably connected with their expectation of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God. After all, John the Baptist proclaimed: “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3), and repeatedly announced that someone greater than he was about to come (Mark 1:7-8).
This helps us understand Jesus’ response in today’s Gospel (Luke 5,33-39). In effect, He is saying: “The Messiah has arrived. The Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15). That is why He asks: “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” (Luke 5:34). The time of waiting has become the time of fulfillment. The Bridegroom is present, and therefore the occasion is one of joy rather than mourning.
This Gospel invites us to examine ourselves. Do we perform certain religious practices merely out of habit, without reflecting on their meaning? Do we continue wearing a raincoat when the rain has already stopped, or keep a bandage on a wound that has already healed? In the same way, do we perform acts of worship mechanically, forgetting their true purpose?
Religious practices are precious when they lead us closer to God. Prayer, fasting, devotions, and participation in the sacraments should never become empty routines. Their purpose is to deepen our relationship with the Lord and open our hearts to His presence.
Let us therefore ask for the grace to worship God not only with our lips but also with our minds and hearts. May our faith never become a mere routine, but a living encounter with Christ, the Bridegroom who remains among us. As Jesus Himself teaches: “God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep my faith alive and sincere. Save me from routine and empty observance. Help me to encounter You in every prayer, every sacrament, and every act of worship, so that I may love and serve You with all my heart. Amen.
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