NOTES for Mar 2:18-22
The Pharisees and John's disciples find it difficult to understand the principles of life in Jesus' itinerant community: His disciples do not observe the prescribed fasts, associate with sinners, and break the strict tradition concerning the Sabbath. The Pharisees do not understand that Christ's disciples live a different religious life, founded not on rules and rituals but on personal communion with Jesus. He is the centre and meaning of their lives, the Bridegroom to whose wedding feast they have been invited.
In this connection, we should reflect on our own religious “attitudes.” What do we stand on: rules or communion 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 His disciples to keep watch and pray at all times, lest they fall into temptation). The end 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, while religious rules must lead to genuine communion with Him.