Gospel of Mark 2:18-22
“Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”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. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse."
As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse."
Usually when I read this gospel passage, I pay attention to the wine and new wine skins image. However, today I'm reflecting more closely on the metaphor of the unshrunken cloth sewn onto an old cloak. What is Jesus referring to exactly? I find the comparison a little difficult to comprehend. Sewing and fasting seem like an odd match up. I'm sure people in biblical times understood it much easier...
Most people don't hand sew their clothes anymore. If something needs patching, it's taken over to the tailor or thrown in the trash if it's too ratty looking. A brand coat can be purchased at a local Walmart for pennies on the dollar.
So how is sewing related to fasting?? I'm going to go out on a limb in my interpretation. Here it goes....
In the parable, the Pharisees ask Jesus why his disciples do not fast on the Sabbath. It's clear to Jesus that there is no need to fast as long as he is alive, preaching the good news and converting sinners. Fasting is more of a penitential observance and solemn activity. It's an act of forgoing nourishment in order to purge our sins and bring us closer to God. The thing is God is present in the human flesh as Jesus Christ. No need to eliminate food when the Bridegroom is present. Let the feasting begin! The feasting won't last forever, so it should be enjoyed to the fullest. Fasting will become much more important after Jesus dies on the cross.
In terms of sewing, seamstresses know that a garment must be prepared properly in order for a patch to stay in place. If not, a button will come off or a thread will unravel. An old piece of cloth sewed onto an old garment won't hold up as well, but a new piece of cloth will become much more resilient to tearing and unraveling. Why use old cloth when new cloth is available? Why fast when God is present among man? It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. New is better than old, isn't it?
The tapestry of life is made up of intricate threads. These threads were created by God. When threads unravel, God weaves them back into place. When a piece of fabric tears off, Christ restores it to new. When the end of the tapestry snags on a cutting edge, the Holy Spirit repairs it. The tapestry of life and The Holy Trinity become one; however, this unity best survives when we remain faithful to God.
As clothes fade and thin from much wear, so can our hope and love in Christ. This is when we must turn to God in prayer and fasting! The Bridegroom is no longer with us on earth; however, his Spirit is definitely present. It just takes a little attention to detail, noticing the rich colors outlining our individual tapestries of life. They are each uniquely formed to highlight our gifts and talents. The color, texture, softness, and durability of life's tapestry remind us of God's presence.
Do we use our God given talents to evangelize the faith to others? Or, do we remain judgmental like the Pharisees?
We can sew our mouths shut, or we can choose to eat the Word of God, proclaiming Christ's message with fervor!
-J.
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