By Tarsish Marak, CSC _
Readings: Col 1:15-20; Lk 5:33-39
Fasting is a very ancient custom, practiced by all religions. John the Baptist and his disciples practiced it. People could not see the disciples of Jesus praying and fasting. They followed John’s teaching of fasting and prayer but they failed to pay attention to what John had preached about Jesus. Jesus was not against prayer and fasting because he himself lived prayer and fasting for 40 days.
John preached about the coming of Jesus. He said that “one who is coming after me is greater than I and I am not worthy to untie his sandals.” Therefore, John wanted people to know who he is. Jesus did not simply teach to his disciples to fast. He said that as long as bridegroom is present guests at a wedding party cannot go without food. Jesus considered himself as bridegroom. As long as he is present, his disciples would not fast because being with the master is feasting and rejoicing.
In our society and in our own personal life we still cling to our traditional practices and belief and giving less attention to the church teaching. We prefer to remain with our forefathers’ teaching. But Jesus demands us to go beyond the traditional practices and accept the teaching of the Lord.
So, through this reading Jesus is inviting each of us to know who he is and also to be attentive to the teaching of the church. As a follower of Jesus if we do not know who Jesus is for us, then we are like those people in the gospel praying and fasting and not knowing he is with us. So Jesus invites us to know his real presence in and around us in our daily journey. Let us not worry about what the tradition teaches us but pray for the lived experience in us and with us. Let us celebrate his presence.