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Then the disciples of John came to him (Jesus), saying “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but you disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them “The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins. and so both are preserved.

 

Jesus used very concrete explanations when ministering to his disciples. He used samples that men and women alike would understand. Fasting during ancient times and also today is a form of devotion, prayer and sacrifice that is commonly practiced in many denominations. Often people may deny themselves certain foods or have a time of prayer and fasting. When our daughters attended Lutheran High School, they did a 24 hour fast during Lent. Many other students participated and the difficulty arose when athletic events were held during this time. The students were told they needed to be careful not to get dehydrated or over stress their bodies if they did not eat. The students’ intentions were sincere.

 

When Jesus was speaking and instructing his disciples, he wanted them to realize that there was a time and place for everything. There would be a time when he was no longer with them, and the time would be appropriate for fasting with prayer and devotion. Jesus was trying to prepare his people for a time when he would not be with them. The disciples of Jesus were trying their best to follow the teachings by which they had been reared and apply those teachings when following Christ. How confusing all of this must have been for them? A new way of living, a new teacher, and a whole different way of observing the religious laws.

 

Let us pray - Dear Lord, be with us as we navigate our faith and trust in you. Show us your ways that we may be examples of your love to the world. Amen.

 

Cindy Dougherty

beachspch@aol.com

 

Prayer Concern - Continue to reach out to those who are in need of food or other resources in the winter months.

 

Other Scriptures of the Day-Isaiah 48:12-21, Psalm 40:6-17