Gospel (Mt 9,14-15): Then John’s disciples came to him and said, «Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?» Jesus answered, “Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”.

In the passage of Mt 9,14-15, A question is raised: why only the John's disciples and the Pharisees Those who fast, and not those of Jesus? The answer, in Gospel of Matthew, It uses the figure of the groom's friends. It shows a time of celebration while the Messiah is among them and a future of... fast after his departure.

Studying this passage requires looking beyond pure physical discipline. There are texts and commentaries that show the fast It's more than just a rule: it's a communal act that celebrates the coming of the Messiah.

From a pastoral point of view, it is important to practice the fast with a pure heart and out of love. Otherwise, it can become just a formality. A Lent It reminds us to revisit fasting not only as an act of faith but as part of a cycle of prayer and acts of charity.

When reflecting on Mt 9,14-15, We must pay attention to the various interpretations and the profound meaning of... metaphor of the groom For our community. I invite you to consider: when should we celebrate the presence of Christ and when should we prepare ourselves, through fasting, for his coming?

Historical and biblical context of the passage Matthew 9:14-15

To understand Mt 9,14-15, It is necessary to consider the religious tensions of the time. The passage speaks of a question posed to Jesus about fasting. This question reflects the practices and hopes of the Jewish people and those who awaited the Messiah.

Situation of the interlocutors

You John's disciples John the Baptist, concerned about the fasting, questions Jesus. John the Baptist is seen as a figure of penance and preparation for the arrival of the Messiah.

You Pharisees They are known for their strict adherence to rules and penitential practices. They question Jesus, revealing a conflict between traditions and the new message brought by Jesus.

The role of Jesus as the "bridegroom" in the evangelistic metaphor.

Jesus responds with the metaphor of the groom, symbolizing the joy of the Kingdom of God. This image highlights the joy and celebration that accompany the arrival of the Messiah.

He indicates that, in the presence of the Messiah, some rituals such as mourning and fasting are replaced by communion and mission. This new approach changes the way we think about faith and the end times.

Reading the text in the synoptic gospels and translation variants.

The passage from Matthew 9:14-15 also appears in Mark and Luke. All three Gospels use the same metaphor, but with slight differences in the narrative.

Variations in the text and translation emphasize different points: the joy of the moment or the groom's temporary absence. This leads to different interpretations by readers.

Connection with the liturgy and the Lenten season.

This text is important for the period of Lent, challenging the practice of fasting with the idea of the Kingdom being present. There is a dialogue in the Christian tradition between the practice of fasting and the celebration of Easter.

Over time, the practice of fasting evolved. The Church shifted from long fasts to more specific rules in the 20th century. This text challenges our expectations about the Messiah and social norms of penance.

Matthew 9:14-15: Theological analysis and meaning of fasting in this passage.

In Matthew 9:14-15, the discussion about fasting links theology, practice, and community life. Jesus questions a purely ritualistic approach and highlights the importance of the messianic moment. This passage calls for an interpretation that understands joy, expectation, and the moral motivation behind it.

Interpretation of the image of the groom's friends and the joy present.

The figure of the groom brings to mind the wedding banquet, an important idea in Judaism and Christianity. The groom's friends, by celebrating together, show that when the Messiah is present, it is a time for joy, not penance.

Egídio Serpa and Helena Colares Serpa see fasting as something that should be sincere. When the community experiences the presence of Jesus, true joy appears. Fasting solely to show off to others goes against the teachings of the Gospel.

Fasting as an eschatological expression: moments of presence and absence.

Fasting, as viewed by the church, is linked to waiting and being vigilant for the return of Jesus. It becomes relevant when the presence of the Messiah seems distant, serving as preparation and purification for what is to come.

In practice, fasting is not just about abstaining from food. It is a means to refine the spirit, control desires, and open oneself to divine grace. Remembering Jesus' 40-day fast helps to understand its importance as a formative practice.

Fasting beyond asceticism: a relational and communal dimension.

The story of the groom's friends underscores the communal aspect of fasting. In it, joy and fasting show how the community lives together: celebration in the presence of the Kingdom, fasting in expectation and vigil.

When done in a group, fasting promotes fraternal correction and avoids acts of vanity. Questions about peace of heart, intention, and benefits to others are crucial to verifying the sincerity of the fast.

• The relationship between messianic presence and community practice.
• Eschatological fasting understood as preparation and vigilance.
• Image of the groom as an invitation to shared joy.

The practice of fasting in the Christian tradition: history, discipline, and spiritual meanings.

Christian fasting has roots in Jewish practices of the Old Testament. It was used as a way to show repentance, to ask something of God, or during mourning. Jesus gave these traditions a new meaning, focusing on the Kingdom of God.

In Jewish tradition, fasting prepared the people for important moments with God. In early Christianity, important figures such as Origen and Augustine practiced fasting. They fasted to prepare for festivities and to demonstrate an inner transformation.

Before 1983, the Lent It had stricter fasting rules: one large meal and two smaller ones for 40 days. With the 1983 rules, mandatory fasting was limited to two important dates, but the tradition of not eating meat continued on Fridays throughout the year.

After 1983, the church began encouraging voluntary fasting and acts of charity on Fridays during Lent. This aims to maintain tradition, but while giving freedom and encouraging generosity, rather than simply following rules.

A Ash Wednesday and the Good Friday These are special moments in church. Ash Wednesday The Lenten season begins with a call to repentance. Good Friday, We are invited to reflect and fast, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus.

• Fasting: a means to watch over and prepare the heart.
• Abstinence from meat: penitential sign common on Fridays.
• Fridays of Lent: Recommendation for voluntary practices of austerity.

From a spiritual standpoint, fasting helps us to be more open to God's grace and to control our desires. When we fast, pray, and do charity, fasting becomes a practice that unites us with the fasting of Jesus.

Fasting helps us to better control our body and soul. It makes us reflect more on our actions. Fasting should have a true purpose and come from a sincere heart. This leads to true change and joy according to the Christian faith.

Pastoral and spiritual applications for today

A practice of fasting today It combines pastoral sensitivity with spiritual clarity. It is important to guide communities and pastoral agents on the healthy reasons for and limits of fasting. It is also crucial to connect fasting with prayer and acts of charity, so that it is meaningful.

Fasting with intention

The focus of intentional fasting It's about having a noble cause behind the practice. Helena Colares Serpa emphasizes that it's fundamental that fasting brings inner peace and draws the person closer to God. It should be an act of love, never of revenge.

When to fast and when to celebrate

During Lent, it is essential to know when to do penance and when to celebrate. Communities need to balance periods of fasting with celebrations that recall the presence of Christ. Pastors should guide this alternation in a flexible way, respecting the individuality of each person.

Recommended concrete practices

• Fasting in Ash Wednesday and in Good Friday, following the rules of the Church and taking care of their health.
• Avoid eating meat on Fridays, especially during Lent.
• Adapt the fasting to each person's age and health, seeking spiritual guidance when necessary.
• Integrate fasting with more prayer, participation in the sacraments, and acts of mercy.

Self-assessment questions

1. Why am I fasting? Is it for God's glory or to be seen by others?
2. Does fasting bring me peace and make me more humble?
3. Does he inspire me to practice charity?
4. Can I fast without harming my health?
5. Am I seeking the right advice before I begin?

These questions are essential for a intentional fasting Fasting can be constructive during Lent. Integrating fasting with community support can transform this practice. In this way, fasting becomes a path of conversion and helping others.

Conclusion

Matthew 9:14-15 centers fasting around the presence of Jesus. He responds to criticism, showing that we should experience joy when He is with us. The text says that fasting is more about waiting and preparing for the Lord's return, not just suffering.

This study on fasting blends readings from the Bible, church traditions, and contemporary thought. Egídio Serpa and Helena Colares Serpa discuss the importance of fasting with a pure heart. Furthermore, the church's rules after 1983 maintain specific days for fasting, but also allow for practices of personal devotion.

The lesson here is simple: fasting in a Christian way requires genuine motivation. It should combine physical care, prayer, and helping others. When done in a group and with attention to health, it organizes our spiritual life. Thus, Matthew 9:14-15 serves as a guide for practicing hopeful and compassionate fasting.