This was a question very much in the Jewish mind. It is clear that fasting was required. But regarding the extent and intensity of fasting, this would depend on each person's piety and relationship with God. In Jewish society, there were different camps following different ways in this matter. From the Gospel today, the Pharisees and scribes observed that their disciples and those of John were stricter in fasting. Our Lord's disciples did not. Jesus explains that fasting would depend on circumstances. He used language clear enough to convey that the circumstances of His disciples were different from those of the Pharisees and Scribes. These latter had to fast unlike the followers of Jesus. Jesus was with them. He who was going to clarify later that He is the Bridegroom marrying the Church or the People of God in the New Covenant. These latter need not fast because the celebration of the wedding would still be ongoing. When the bridegroom is taken away, then they would need to fast too.
