The expression “rain on my parade” is one that brings a visual picture to someone who is killing a happy mood or occasion. Sometimes we tell someone to “take a chill pill” when they seem to hyper about something. We often want to change the mood of others to match our own mood. We are not willing to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
But there are emotions that are appropriate for certain situations, and we should match our emotions for those occasions. If we are grieving, we put our grieving on hold during the wedding reception. Otherwise we become the center of attention. And we aren’t supposed to be the center. The bride and groom are supposed to be the center.
In the Jewish religious calendar, the Day of Atonement only required day for fasting in Jewish year. Other fast days were allowed, but only one was required. But the Pharisees and other Jewish groups added required fast days to their own religious requirements. It was almost as if there was a competition to see who could be the most religious through meeting certain requirements like fasting.
In Jesus’ day wedding feasts lasted seven days, and signs of mourning, including fasting, were not allowed at the feast. It was a time of celebration; nothing was allowed to interrupt that joy. It was a time to solidify family relationships, creating ties that would carry people through difficult times ahead. New members were welcomed into the family. Stories were exchanged. Food was shared. Laughter and celebration was the theme of the week.
Jesus’ presence was to be just as joyous as a wedding feast. Fasting just doesn’t fit with joyous celebration. Jesus was only going to be with the disciples for a limited period of time and that time was one of celebration, not of mourning.
Jesus gives us the first hint of His upcoming death and resurrection, and the changes that will take place after that. Fasting does become part of the New Testament experience, but it is not one that is required, as the fasting for the Day of Atonement was. It is more in line with Isaiah 61. It is an outward identification with the downtrodden.
Fast if you feel called to, but don’t demand that others follow your lead.
The Arnold Journey 