“Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” people asked Jesus. This question makes us think about what the disciples of Jesus should do. And this question makes us ponder what is essential to follow Christ. Jesus does not deny the need for a religious fast. On the opposite, he emphasized fasting and prayer to cast out demons. But casting out demons doesn’t seem an essence or a purpose to follow the Way of Christ. Jesus once admonished his disciples that they should not rejoice because they could cast out demons and work wonders. He advised that they should rejoice when their names were written in heaven.
When we forget the essence of Christian discipleship, we are confused and start asking questions. ‘Why doesn’t the Church put herself on the front line to resolve economic inequality?’ ‘Why doesn’t the Church spearhead in reducing carbon consumption in the world?’ ‘Why doesn’t the Church involve herself more in international politics to influence global issues?’ And the like.
But the discipleship of Christ is all about salvation. First, we are called to be with Christ. Christians are the people who remain in and with Christ. “As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.” Second, we are called to repent of our sins. What was the first thing Jesus did in his ministry? It was the call for repentance. Third, we are to put our whole hearts in heaven, not anywhere else. Jesus didn’t preach for social reform though there were so many structural and cultural evils in the world he lived. But he first called people to the kingdom of heaven. When Pilate asked Jesus, he answered his kingdom was not of this world.
Christianity cannot be and shouldn’t be reduced to a human ideology, not even to religious rigorism. I ask myself whether I speak God’s name but don’t ask for his presence in my prayers. I ask myself if I am busy with parish works but don’t walk together with Jesus. I ask myself whether I fast but don’t recognize the presence of the Groom.
