New Fabric

I will admit, I’ve read today’s Gospel (Mark  2:18-22) several times over the years and have not given it much thought.  Yes, we understand that the disciples did not fast because Jesus was with them - and since we know the “rest of the story” we know Jesus will die and at that time the disciples will fast.  But today it struck me, what in the world does this have to do with new fabric or old wine skins? What is Jesus trying to tell us today?

I don’t know much about ancient wine skins, but I do understand a little about fabric.  I like to do a little sewing now and then, and I know before I start a project such as a quilt, all the fabric needs to be washed.  Cotton is commonly used for quilting, it is a natural fiber and it can respond to washing and drying differently from one piece of fabric to another.  This is due to the fibers themselves - the location of where the cotton was grown, the growing condition, the processing; all of these can have an effect and so when the fabric is washed, it can shrink differently. If you waited until after the sewing is completed, the quilt pieces can pucker and tear away from each other and simply destroy your quilting.

Now, what does all of this have to do with fasting? Well, as I pondered this, it hit me - everyone who sews know about how to treat new fabric - it’s just common sense.  Aw, now I see - Jesus was saying - it’s just common sense - of course the disciples would not fast for he was there among them - he was trying once again to tell them (and us) who he was/is - he is the Son God and is standing in their midst.

Okay, we get that - but what does this mean to us today?  I believe it means we need to approach our faith with a better understanding of who Jesus is.  He gave them two  metaphors, putting his message into something they would understand;  if Jesus was saying this today, he might would say something like - you would not put two quarterbacks on the field at the same time - common sense says you only play one at a time, otherwise you would have chaos on the field. 

So, I believe, the message for us today is; if it's is true about the quarterbacks and Jesus is comparing it to why his disciples did not fast - then it must be true - Jesus is the Son of God and it is true - he is standing right in our midst.