Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

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Lectionary 83
Read the Gospel: Mark 2:18-22

Gospel Summary
Some of the Pharisees complained that Jesus' disciples did not fast, but John's disciples did. It would appear that there might even be some tension between the two sets of disciples, except that we recall some of JohnÕs disciples followed Jesus. At any rate, Jesus responded to the question by asking another question, as he often did to help explain a position. He asked the critics if they thought the wedding guests would fast while the bridegroom was still with them. Of course, everyone knew that the feasting was great at a wedding and only after the bridegroom left did the guests fast. It was a message Jesus tried to convey that he would not be with the disciples long. While they were together, they would eat. When Jesus left, they would fast. This was JesusÕ way of introducing a new idea, that things would be different. He compared old and new ways to fabric and wineskins.

Reflection for Families
Parents know that life is a constant adjustment. We swing from plan A to plan B with the ease of a trapeze artist. Some changes are simply an alteration of our errand route, but others may involve learning to live without a loved one or modifying our life style due to economic change. There are many expressions that summarize letting go of something old in order to receive something new. Our children take their cues from us as they learn to adjust to change. This was the message that Jesus conveyed in today's gospel. Sometimes the new and old just don't work together. Sometimes we have to let go of the old and totally embrace the new. For some it was difficult and even impossible. The others chose to follow Jesus.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Allow each member of the family to create the "to-die-for" menu. Have members imagine that they are at their favorite restaurant, carnival, or at home. What is the best-ever meal they can think of? Once each person has shared his/her menu, consider what it would be like to eat these foods every day. What is good about the meals? What is unhealthy about the foods? Fasting and eating require a delicate balance. Jesus encourages us to have a balanced diet, not only in what we eat, but also in how we live. What foods in our menu should we avoid? What foods would be good if we ate more? How are these foods similar to they way we follow Jesus? (For example, eating yogurt instead of ice cream.)

Discussion Starters
1. One "old" way that is just not working for me is...I will try something new by...
2. One (old) thing I need to change in order to follow (the new way of) Jesus is...
3. One time I let go of something in order to show another person Jesus' love. I know they felt Jesus' love because...