This week as we continue our series in the Gospel of Mark, some religious leaders accuse Jesus of being spiritually lackadaisical. If last week’s complaint was that he is soft on sin (eg, “he eats with sinners!”), this week’s complaint is that his followers are not devout enough (eg, “why don’t they fast like we do?”). As we said, this is the problem with performative religion: it engenders a “fragile” holiness that can never do enough so it is constantly comparing. So how does Jesus respond? He talks about a wedding. He talks about wine. He talks about a party. “Yes, there is a time for fasting, but this is a time for feasting!” How does that help? When you wonder if you’re doing enough in life, what is the anchored joy he is offering? Let’s talk about “Feasting & Fasting” (Mk.2:15-22).
