The right thing done at the wrong time will always produce the wrong result. Timing can turn a good thing today into a bad thing tomorrow. Same applies to using one instance to judge another or to make a generalization. We often make mistakes when we do not make wise comparisons. We need wisdom to position things appropriately.
“One day when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Why is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?’ Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of fasting while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they could not think of fasting. But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then, on that day, they will fast.”
Jesus was not condemning fasting. Fasting is a recipe for spiritual discipline. Contrary to the pharisees’ display of gloomy faces during fasting, which was their way of demonstrating their piety, Jesus told them that the joy of the Lord is the mark of true followers of his, and not gloomy look. Marriage feast is a joyful moment. He is the bridegroom. Whoever must follow him must be known for rejoicing and not undue self-flagellation, no matter the crosses that lay before them. He foresaw the cross that awaited him, yet his joy was still boundless.
The Pharisees used to fast for a showoff, that was why they lost its timing and purpose. Let us pray that all our spiritual discipline will be done in their proper time. May all we do in God’s name win favor in his presence. Amen.
