2nd Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 16th January 2023 — Gospel: Mark 2,18-22
Jesus Inaugurates Joyful Kingdom
At the time of Jesus, the Jewish people fasted during the times of mourning and repentance and also on the annual Day of Atonement (Lev 16,1-34; 23,26-32; Num 29,7-11); for it helps to achieve closeness to God. Person might fast for personal expression of sorrow or repentance also (1 Kgs 21,27; 2 Sam 3,35). Here Jesus is asked why his group of followers does not fast, while the groups within Judaism, such as the Pharisees and John’s do. In responding with a counter question, Jesus makes an astonishing claim that he is “the bridegroom” and his followers are wedding guests. Jesus uses the occasion to deepen the people’s understanding of his identity and authority; and to recall God’s covenantal love with Israel. The marital imagery was familiar to those who listened to Israel’s prophets (Hos 2,16-20; Is 54,5-6). For example, Isaiah proclaimed, “As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you” (Isa 62,5). In this joyful time of marriage feast, God’s salvation was anticipated and restored through the nuptial bond between himself and his unfaithful people. Now in Jesus’ time, the kingdom of God has been inaugurated like a joyful wedding banquet and salvation will be promised to those who participate in it.
