then they will fast

Isaiah 58:1-9; Ps 51 A heart contrite and humble, O God, you will not spurn; Matthew 9:14-15


We have a very short gospel this first friday of Lent.

The question is posed to Jesus as to why some fast( disciples of John and the Pharisees, the religious elite) while his disciples, however, seem to go about their merry way eating and drinking, carrying on like each day is a feast.

Why do some fast and others feast?

Jesus' words are quite telling, "Can the wedding guest mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast."

In some sense Jesus is telling the disciples of John that his disciples are enjoying what they have while they have it. They are making the most of the time they have been given while JEsus is with them. They are treasuring each day as it comes.

While Jesus is with them, feasting is required.

But fasting shall become a reality the moment his presence is ascended on high.

Then they will fast, that is then they will hunger. They will long to be with him; they will long for the days of old and that longing and deep desire shall show itself in fasting.

The fast itself will remind them that JEsus is the only thing that truly satisfies.

So, there is no us win feasting for feasting with Christ being present is just pretending.

Fasting is about reality. We do not have completely what our hearts desire mostly, so we fast in anticipation of that union that awaits.

Our hunger grows as we hunger here below.