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.”

mark 2:19

Mark 2:18-22

Reflection

The people come to Jesus confused why the disciples of John and the Pharisees fast, but Jesus’ disciples do not. Jesus explains that his disciples cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them. He also gives analogies of new items being put on old, and how they do not fit/work properly, speaking to how Jesus is the New Covenant.

Jesus is the bridegroom, the new way that brings us to everlasting life. He doesn’t repair us or fix our wounds, patched over like a bandage. Rather, he transforms us into something new. He comes into our lives and makes us more like him, renewing and giving us new life.

If we are the old cloak in the Gospel, Jesus doesn’t patch over our rips and tears – he transforms us into a new cloak, made more and more like him. Yes, he heals our wounds and hurts. But in doing so, he changes those pieces into newness of life.

Let the Lord transform you every day, creating you anew in his image. Jesus comes to you bringing new wine, new life, that draws you nearer to his loving heart.

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Saint of the Day

St. Sebastian: died AD 288

St. Sebastian was a young Christian Roman solider. He was an excellent solider and during his time, converted various people to Christianity. When the emperor discovered this, he ordered St. Sebastian to be killed by arrows for target practice. Believed to be dead, his body was recovered by Irene of Rome, who discovered he had not died, and nursed him back to health. St. Sebastian subsequently confronted the emperor and was ordered to be executed once again, this time being beaten to death. St. Sebastian, pray for us!