In this passage Jesus is questioned by the followers of John and the Pharisees, who want to know why he doesn't fast - or rather, why he eats without fasting with sinners (for Jesus may very well have fasted when he was alone, as he did in the 40 days in the desert). And Jesus responds - "Can the wedding guests fast while the Bridegroom is with them?"
Now Jesus is the Bridegroom of the Church, of humanity through the Church. He fulfills the relationship prophesied in Hosea. The guests in this case are the Apostles, although we too are invited to the King's banquet everyday in the Eucharist. And every Christian marriage should be a living sign of Christ's marriage to the Church.
The wedding guests do not fast because it is a time of joy. Joy is a sign of God's presence among us. If we do not have joy, let us beg to be made aware of God's presence.
And Jesus, the Bridegroom, does something new. He does not repeat the Old Testament, but rather fulfills it. He does not repeat the old Law, but rather gives a new covenant, written in his own blood. Indeed, he begins a new creation by which we are totally transformed.
Lord, make us aware of your Presence so that we can rejoice with you! Please do something new in our lives! Teach us to feast when it is time to feast, and to fast when our sin separates us from you, if appropriate.
Mary, cause of our joy, bring us to your Son so that we can rejoice in His Presence. Or, give us strength when we face the time of trial or penance.
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