Word to the Wise
Saturday, July 7, 2018 - Saturday in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time
[Amos 9:11-15 and Matt 9:14-17]SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018. SATURDAY IN THE THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME [Amos 9:11-15 and Matthew 9:14-17] The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” [Matthew] The question posed by the disciples of John the Baptist has a context. Fasting was not a regular requirement of the Mosaic Law. It was demanded for the Day of Atonement, but otherwise it was considered a sign of mourning. The Pharisees and the disciples of John took it on as a sign of repentance and asceticism. Since Jesus and his disciples disciples took a casual attitude about this, the distinction drew attention. Jesus points out the mourning aspect, and comments that the arrival of the kingdom of God (the bridegroom) is not a time for mourning. The next step in Jesus’ words takes the matter further in pointing out that some older observances are not suitable for a new dispensation. He does this with the wine skin image. Of course, this could have the effect of alienating those who were devoted to these observances. This is still a challenge in our own day. There are some who still wish it was REQUIRED to eat fish on Friday. The question arises: Is the value of an observance based on whether or not it is required by law? Or does it come simply from the asceticism of the gesture? It’s something to ponder. AMEN
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