Jesus’ Life: Chapter 4 – Jesus’ Ministry In Galilee (Part 1)
John the Baptist started his ministry before Jesus. He preached a message of baptism and repentance by the River Jordan and attracted many followers including, a group of loyal disciples.
When Jesus set out on his ministry, He likewise attracted a group of disciples, some of them having previously been followers of John. They travelled extensively with Jesus; wherever he went, they “followed”.
When Jesus was asked why his disciples didn’t fast like those of John, He gave multiple symbolic answers saying:
- “Wedding guests cannot mourn while the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days are coming when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and then they will fast.
- No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment because the patch will pull away from the garment and the tear will be worse.
- And no one pours new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst and the wine is spilt out and the skins are destroyed. Instead, they put new wine into new wineskins and both are preserved.”
The bridegroom Jesus symbolically referred to was himself. He knew that he would be with the disciples for just a short time. In addition, he was emphasising that his teachings were a new way of life; his Gospel was an entirely new garment, a new wine. (Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39)
Thought
Accepting Jesus’ teaching meant accepting a new religion; replacing old beliefs with new. It required conviction and faith.
Today, many people remain unprepared to take that first step, into the new. But, we never really know how many souls our prayers, fasting and works of charity save.
Keep praying, for the conversion of all souls.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, bless those who have yet to find you. Touch them and bring them closer to your true light.
Prayer: Faith (St Benedict)
Gracious and Holy Father,
give us the wisdom to discover You,
the intelligence to understand You,
the diligence to seek after You,
the patience to wait for You,
eyes to behold You,
a heart to meditate upon You,
and a life to proclaim You,
through the power of the Spirit of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
