MATTHEW 9:14–17 – THE QUESTION ABOUT FASTING
NEW LIFE IN CHRIST REQUIRES NEW HEARTS AND NEW WAYS
Introduction
After calling Matthew and revealing that His mission is mercy toward sinners, Jesus is now questioned about religious practice. The disciples of John the Baptist, together with the Pharisees, notice a difference: they fast regularly, but Jesus’ disciples do not. Jesus responds by revealing that His presence inaugurates a new moment in salvation history. What He brings cannot simply be added to old religious patterns; it requires inner renewal and joyful openness.
Bible Passage (Mt 9:14–17)
Then the disciples of John approached him and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests 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. No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”
Background
Fasting was a respected Jewish religious practice, especially among the Pharisees and the disciples of John. John’s fasting expressed repentance and preparation for the Messiah. Now that the Messiah has come, Jesus reveals that the time of preparation is giving way to fulfillment. Religious practice must now flow from a new relationship with Him.
Opening Life Connection
Many Christians faithfully observe religious practices but sometimes struggle to experience joy. Others resist renewal because they are attached to familiar ways. Jesus teaches that authentic spiritual life is not rigid repetition, but a living response to God’s presence.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?”
The question reflects sincere concern but limited understanding of Jesus’ identity.
“Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?”
Jesus presents Himself as the Bridegroom. His presence brings joy, not mourning.
“The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away”
Jesus points to His Passion and death. Fasting will then regain its place.
“No one patches an old cloak with unshrunken cloth”
New faith cannot simply repair old attitudes; partial change leads to greater rupture.
“New wine into fresh wineskins”
The grace of Christ requires renewed hearts, not rigid structures.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Fasting expressed repentance, mourning, and longing for God’s intervention. Weddings, by contrast, were times of joy when fasting was forbidden. By using wedding imagery, Jesus signals that the messianic age has arrived.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church practices fasting, especially during Lent, but always in relation to Christ’s Paschal Mystery. External discipline must be united with interior conversion. Grace renews both personal spirituality and ecclesial life.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Francis of Assisi embraced radical renewal, not by rejecting tradition, but by allowing the Gospel to reshape his entire way of life. His joy flowed from living the “new wine” of Christ wholeheartedly.
Application to Christian Life Today
Christian practices must be animated by living faith. When habits become empty routines, renewal is needed. Christ invites believers to continual conversion rather than spiritual stagnation.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, the Bridegroom is sacramentally present with His Church. Our fasting and sacrifices draw meaning from this communion and prepare us to receive Him with renewed hearts.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Christ’s presence is the source of true joy.
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Religious practices must flow from relationship, not routine.
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New grace demands renewed hearts.
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Conversion is ongoing, not a one-time adjustment.
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Allow Christ to reshape attitudes, not just actions.
Outline for Preachers (Printable – Bullet Form)
• Background within the Gospel: from repentance to fulfillment
• Life connection: routine religion versus living faith
• Key images explained: bridegroom, cloak, wineskins
• Jewish context: fasting and wedding customs
• Catholic teaching: fasting with interior conversion
• Saintly illustration: renewal through joyful discipleship
• Application to life today: openness to spiritual renewal
• Eucharistic connection: communion with the Bridegroom
• Key messages and call to conversion
