MARK 2:18–22, THE QUESTION ABOUT FASTING
THE PRESENCE OF THE BRIDEGROOM AND THE DEMAND FOR INNER RENEWAL
Introduction
After calling Levi and revealing his mission to seek sinners, Jesus faces a question that exposes the tension between established religious practices and the new reality of the Kingdom of God. The issue raised is fasting, a respected and visible sign of religious devotion. By responding with the image of a wedding, new cloth, and new wine, Jesus reveals that his presence inaugurates a new time in salvation history and demands not superficial observance but deep interior renewal.
Bible Passage (Mark 2:18–22)
The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to him 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. If 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.”
Background
Fasting was a central religious practice in Judaism, especially associated with repentance, mourning, and preparation for God’s intervention. John the Baptist’s disciples fasted in anticipation of judgment, while the Pharisees fasted regularly as an expression of strict observance. Jesus does not reject fasting but redefines it in light of his presence as the fulfillment of God’s promises. His teaching marks a decisive moment in the Gospel where the old expectations meet the new covenant reality.
Opening Life Connection
Many Christians struggle when religious expressions change or when familiar practices are questioned. Others measure faith by external discipline alone. This Gospel invites us to reflect on whether our religious practices flow from a living relationship with Christ or from habit, comparison, or fear of change.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast”
Fasting had become a visible sign of devotion and seriousness in religious life.
“Why do your disciples not fast?”
The question reflects confusion and comparison rather than hostility.
“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?”
Jesus uses the image of a wedding to reveal the joy of God’s saving presence.
“As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast”
Joy, not mourning, is the proper response to the presence of salvation.
“The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away”
Jesus hints at his passion and death, introducing a future time of fasting marked by longing and hope.
“No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak”
Superficial reform only worsens the rupture between old attitudes and new grace.
“No one pours new wine into old wineskins”
The new life of the Kingdom requires renewed hearts capable of receiving it.
“New wine is poured into fresh wineskins”
True discipleship requires inner transformation, not mere external adjustment.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Fasting in Judaism was associated with sorrow, repentance, and waiting for God’s deliverance, while weddings were times of mandated joy. Prophetic tradition often described God as the bridegroom of Israel. By identifying himself with the bridegroom, Jesus implicitly claims divine authority and announces the arrival of the messianic age.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church continues fasting as a penitential practice, especially during Lent, but always in union with Christ. Fasting without conversion is empty. The Gospel teaches that grace renews the heart first, enabling authentic discipline and obedience. Sacramental life, especially the Eucharist, is the new wine that sustains believers.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Augustine taught that Christ does not abolish religious discipline but fills it with love. His own conversion illustrates how external observance becomes fruitful only when the heart is made new by grace.
Application to Christian Life Today
Christians are called to examine whether they resist renewal because it challenges comfort or tradition. Authentic faith balances joy in Christ’s presence with disciplined longing for his return. Practices like fasting must lead to compassion, humility, and openness to God’s transforming work.
Eucharistic Connection
The Eucharist is the foretaste of the wedding feast of the Lamb. Christ the Bridegroom is truly present, nourishing his Church with new wine. While the Church continues to fast and wait for his final coming, the Eucharist sustains hope and joy.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Religious practices must flow from a living relationship with Christ.
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Fasting and discipline are meaningful only when united with love and conversion.
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Christ calls for renewed hearts, not superficial religious change.
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Openness to grace is necessary to receive the fullness of the Kingdom.
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Live in joyful communion with Christ while faithfully longing for his return.
Outline for Preachers
• Background within the Gospel
• Life connection through religious practice and change
• Key phrases explained: fasting, bridegroom, new wine
• Jewish religious context of fasting and weddings
• Catholic teaching on fasting and renewal
• Saintly illustration of interior conversion
• Application to Christian life today
• Eucharistic connection
• Key messages and call to conversion
