Word to the Wise
Monday, January 15, 2024 - Monday in the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Sam 15:16-23 and Mark 2:18-22]The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, "Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "CAn the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days are coming when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. [Mark]
In the Mosaic Law, fasting was only required for the Day of Atonement, but the practice was popular as a way of expressing mourning or in times of crisis. The Pharisees and the Jewish ascetical group called "Essenes" made a point of fasting. Jesus did not emphasize it and in today's gospel he points out that his presence was the same as that of a bridegroom - a time of rejoicing. When he would be "taken away," the disciples would have cause to mourn and fast. We know from the Sermon on the Mount that if a disciple of Jesus would fast, they should not make a public spectacle of it but do it privately. [Matt. 6:16-18]. Jesus was something new and the old observances were not a good expression of his mission. That is what the image of the wine and wineskins (omitted above for length) is about.
We have a similar situation now when some older Catholic observances are making a comeback of sorts. Fitting them into the new direction begun by the Second Vatican Council can be somewhat difficult and awkward because the context that gave them meaning before the council does not exist any more. The example that comes to my mind is the "fish on Friday" rule (which I personally still follow). It was a distinguishing and required observance for Catholics before Vatican II. When it became optional, some really felt their Catholic identity was threatened. Fasting in the Latin rite is now mostly confined to Lent, when the context of the season gives it a special importance. For some, like me, the "fish on Friday" rule is helpful but I don't make a law of it for others to follow. The real focus should be on the bridegroom and his joyful presence until Lent reminds us that there are hard times ahead for disciples. Fasting takes on its real importance then. AMEN