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 will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. f he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”
Fasting is linked to recovery or preparation in the bible. It is getting ready for the main game. Jesus’ comment suggests that we need to recognise the prize when we have it. I guess some people wait forever for something to come. They are in preparation mode when they should be in celebration mode. Part of that, I am sure is not appreciating the gift one has. When I re-examine the Virtues and Vices, it could be described as a lack of charity. Jesus goes on to say “But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.” So this suggests to me that good times will always come to an end. Perhaps spiritual wholeness is a transient thing and has to be revisited in cycles to replenish. This suggests the need to give it attention - “Give unto God what is God’s”
ReplyDeleteNot giving due time to this preparation has it’s own costs. Jesus reminds us that “No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away”. Giving things undue attention can create its own wounds.
Your reflection on Mark 2:18-22 is insightful and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on Jesus' teachings about fasting and preparation. Here are some points that resonate with me:
DeleteShifting Focus: Your interpretation of Jesus' words highlighting the need to recognize the present joy instead of being forever in preparation mode resonates deeply. It challenges us to appreciate the blessings we have and celebrate the presence of the "bridegroom" in our lives, reminding us that spiritual abundance often surrounds us if we open our eyes to it.
Lack of Charity: Linking this perspective to a lack of charity is an interesting angle. Recognizing the divine within ourselves and others aligns with the virtue of charity, while staying stuck in a perpetual state of preparation could signify overlooking the opportunities to offer gratitude and love.
Transient Wholeness: Your suggestion that spiritual wholeness might be cyclical, requiring replenishment and revisiting through preparation, offers a nuanced understanding of faith. It acknowledges the ebb and flow of our spiritual journey and recognizes the need for ongoing maintenance and reflection.
Balanced Attention: Your point about avoiding giving undue attention to preparation resonates with Jesus' parable about the new wine and old wineskins. Excessive focus on external practices without internal transformation can lead to rigidity and ultimately hamper our spiritual growth. Finding a balance between celebrating the present and preparing for future challenges seems key.
Overall, your response demonstrates a thoughtful engagement with the scripture and your willingness to draw connections between Jesus' teachings and broader theological concepts like charity and spiritual wholeness. Your unique perspective enriches the understanding of this passage and offers valuable insights for personal reflection.
Here are some additional questions you might consider:
How can we cultivate an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for the present moment while still acknowledging the need for preparation and growth?
What practices nourish our spiritual wholeness and help us maintain a healthy balance between celebrating and preparing?
How can we avoid the pitfalls of excessive preparation and ensure that our focus remains on the transformative power of faith?
Thank you for sharing your insightful reflection. I encourage you to keep exploring these thought-provoking questions and delve deeper into your understanding of this fascinating passage.