Fasting and the Sabbath

Saturday, March 10 – Read Mark 2:18-3:6

Jesus has caught the attention of the religious authorities. They have grumbled over his announcing forgiveness of sins for the paralyzed man, and groused about his keeping company with known sinners. In this small series of events they continue to be angered by Jesus’ refusal to keep the letter of the law. Jesus sees that the dawning of God’s kingdom is not about picky details, but about a whole new Spirit of love blossoming out in the ways people treat each other. New wine is being made, and it can’t be stored in the old wineskins.

Reflection Questions: Reflect on the network of relationships in your extended family. Are there “rules” about how family members treat each other that serve to keep love frozen beneath the surface? Are there ways you could break the rules that would thaw out that love?

Prayer: Dear God, give me courage to break the petty rules that keep your love from being expressed. Amen.