NOTES for Mar 2:18-22
It is not easy for the Pharisees and John’s disciples to understand the principles of life in Jesus’ traveling community. His disciples do not observe the prescribed fasts, associate with sinners, and violate the Pharisaic tradition concerning the Sabbath. The Pharisees do not understand that Christ’s disciples live a different religious life, based not on rules and rituals but on personal fellowship with Jesus. He is the center and meaning of their life, the Bridegroom to whose wedding they have been invited.
In this connection, it is worth reflecting on our own religious “assumptions.” What do we stand on: rules, or fellowship with God in Christ? This does not mean that we should not fast (Jesus says that the disciples will fast when the Bridegroom is taken away from them) or pray (Jesus Himself constantly sets an example of prayer and commands the disciples to watch and pray at all times so as not to fall into temptation). The purpose must simply never be replaced by the means: all our actions must be dedicated to Christ; fasting must serve the growth of love for God and help us open ourselves more fully to His grace; religious rules must lead to genuine fellowship with Him.