The Question about Fasting Luke 5:35-39
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
I was in the crowd when some people came to Jesus. ‘Jesus, we have rules around fasting. John the Baptist and his disciples fast and pray, and so do the Pharisees and their followers. But your followers don’t seem to take any notice of these laws. Why not?’
I was interested to hear the answer. I had been wondering, too. But it seems that Jesus has a different take on laws. They are there for the people, not the people for the laws. And also, Jesus shows that we have to move with the times. What was right in one age may not necessarily be right today. Jesus follows the law of love which is above and beyond the written law. So, if we want to keep the letter of the law, we need to look to the spirit of the law as well. What does the law mean? How do we interpret it today? New skins for new wine, patching clothes with the equivalent material. Otherwise, all is lost. The old is good for its time, just as the new is good for its time. when circumstances change, we need to discern our actions in the light of Jesus’ teaching. Thank God we have the Holy Spirit to guide us!
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· When there is a conflict of interest, do I take the time to discern what God is asking of me at this particular time?
· Laws are there to help us in our human journey. Do I ever stop to see where these laws come from and why they are made?
· Laws are important. Where would we be without traffic laws?
· Think about the laws which govern how I live. Which ones need to be retained? Which ones need to be discarded?
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle within them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. Amen.