SATURDAY- 13^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME –B

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17: Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them.

I Reading: Amos 9:11-15: I mean to restore the fortunes of my captive people, and I will plant them in their own country.

Jesus Answers the Question about Fasting: Ushering in a New Age and Covenant, Mt 9:14-17

Christ is the bridegroom of the new age, the new life, and the new covenant. He is the bridegroom of the church. There is no need of fasting or crying when Jesus is with us and celebrating the banquet of joy with his disciples.

1.     John’s disciples (v.14)

a.     Questioned Jesus about fasting

b.    Received three illustrations from Jesus

2.     The bridegroom: A new life and age of joy (v.15)

a.     His presence brings joy

b.    His prediction: death

c.      His death shall bring fasting

3.     The new cloth: A stronger life and age (v.16)

a.     The new is stronger

b.    The old is weaker

4.     The new and old wine: A new life and age of more power (v.17)

a.     The new would burst the old bottles

b.    Both are to be preserved

Thought: The new wine would have been lost if it had been put into the old bottles of religion. There would be no new life or age, no hope for man whatever (2Cor 5:17).