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The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the
Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus
answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the
bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is
taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matthew
9:14–15
Fasting is an essential spiritual discipline. It signifies
humility, repentance, and a sincere turning toward God, while also
strengthening the virtue of temperance. This enables us to overcome
inordinate desires for food, drink, and other appetites of the
flesh. Given its significance, John the Baptist’s disciples were
surprised to see that Jesus’ disciples were not fasting. They
approached Jesus with a genuine question, seeking to understand.
Jesus responded with a profound truth, explaining why fasting was
not yet necessary for His disciples.
In His rhetorical reply, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as
the bridegroom is with them?” Jesus identifies Himself as the
Bridegroom whose presence brings joy and celebration. While He was
with them, fasting was not needed. However, Jesus makes it clear
that a time will come when the Bridegroom will be “taken
away”—referring to His Passion and death—and at that time, fasting
would be essential as His disciples take up their own crosses to
follow Him.
This passage not only teaches us about fasting, it also offers
insight into how we should respond to both spiritual consolations
and times of dryness in prayer. When we experience God’s closeness,
we should respond with gratitude and joyful praise. However, when
those consolations fade, God invites us to enter into a deeper
spiritual journey—through fasting, increased prayer, and penance.
God often gives us moments of consolation to prepare us for the
more challenging periods when our faith is deepened and purified.
Thus, we should savor the joyful moments but embrace the difficult
ones as opportunities for even greater spiritual growth.
It’s also important to note the disposition of John’s disciples in
this Gospel. Unlike the Pharisees who often questioned Jesus with
malicious intent, John’s disciples came in humility with a sincere
desire to understand. They were not trying to trap Jesus or find
fault with Him; they genuinely sought clarity. John had already
pointed them to Jesus, identifying Him as the Lamb of God. When
they noticed a difference in practice—that Jesus’ disciples were
not fasting—it was difficult for them to reconcile that with their
own spiritual customs. Rather than doubting or criticizing, they
approached Jesus openly, and He responded to them with gentle
instruction.
This teaches us a vital lesson: We must approach God—and
others—with humility and openness, especially when we are confused
or in conflict. When misunderstandings or disagreements arise, it’s
easy to condemn or judge, but doing so is a lack of humility and
rarely leads to peace or reconciliation. Like John’s disciples, we
must always seek to understand, especially in matters of
faith.
In our relationship with God, this humble disposition is essential.
When things don’t go as we expect, we can become frustrated, even
feeling abandoned by God. In such moments, it’s tempting to
distance ourselves from Him or rely on our own understanding.
However, any conflict or confusion we experience in our spiritual
lives is never because God is distant or indifferent. It is often
our sin, lack of trust, or misunderstanding that clouds our
judgment. God’s will is always perfect, and we must approach Him
with faith, knowing that He never abandons us.
Reflect today on the example of John’s disciples who approached
Jesus with a heart open to understanding. Use their example in your
own life, especially when you experience confusion or
conflict—whether with God or others. Embrace humility and openness,
and you will be granted the grace of understanding and peace.
My perfect Lord, You are always present to me, always attentive,
and always leading me into Your perfect will. When I become
confused, grant me the graces of humility and openness, so that I
may seek Your will and come to know Your way. Help me to approach
others with the same humility and charity, free from judgment and
harshness, so that Your peace may reign. Jesus, I trust in
You.
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