Saturday 6 July

Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29; Psalm 135; Matthew 9:14-17

A new way

The disciples of John were known to live an ascetic life of penance. They generously went the extra mile in seeking to follow God’s will. That is why they are surprised that the disciples of Jesus do not fast. Once again Jesus reveals a different way of thinking. His presence brings joy, his presence means joy and, therefore, there is no need to fast because he is still with the disciples. It will not always be so however and that is the time the disciples of Jesus will fast. His new ways of thinking bring hope and joy, and fasting helps to recreate this new way of thinking and acting in Christ.