Reflection On Mark 2: 18-22



A question ‘Why are the disciples of John the Baptist and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but yours do not?’ is about a question of empty faith or a futile. The answer does not seem to be an answer but a suitable example to the questionnaire. The guests at wedding party leave without food or not? Secondly patching new piece of cloth to an old coat which is null and void because it may cause get even a bigger hole. Anyone does not pour new wine into old wine skins because it may burst the skin. These examples produced by Jesus in a way to understand the people of times and know what is right. A question arose with regarding fasting but answer was sarcastically meant to develop the minds of unbelievers. Jesus defined the purpose of fasting is considered to be one of the mean to avoid sin, follow the law of Moses, follow religious rites and a sign of penance for sins. Finally it was all for God as a means of sacrifice to be pure and holy. Moreover it was a practice carried down by the Pharisees and teachers of the law.
Jesus gave examples to understand and feel the flexibility In order to follow His teaching in a simple manner. He did not want the people to suffer by fasting. Instead practice what was lawful and worthy to fulfill the commandments of God. This also speaks on the attitude on how do we accept Jesus? If we accept Jesus, we have to accept Him fully, not only is what convenient for us keeping what we do not want to part with. For example: we are tending to work more in order to earn more. But we do not seek God’s grace. In another instance: we accept Jesus only to show off, time pass or to rely on Him at times. At this juncture, we lose God’s grace. Actually Jesus was not concerned primarily about garments and wine but about what ideas we are blending together in our minds and hearts? We do not wear a garment of fear patched with faith. We do not react to a situation one time from pure faith and the next time from superstition. We either trust God’s love and providence or we do not. Hence we must wear a garment of single robe woven of faith, hope and love.
Questions yourself:
What is your practice towards Christ?
How do you lift up your faith in Christ?
In conclusion, we can live daily spiritually by offering our gifts, our time and especially our suffering to God who in union with Jesus Christ.

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