The disciples of John come to Jesus with a question about their practice of faith. They want to know why his disciples don't fast as they do. In that question, there is some wondering about faithfulness, discipline, and religious seriousness. But Jesus wants his followers to know more than rules and schedules. They should pay close attention to moments.
Jesus says, "he wedding attendants cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they?" In other words, be present to what God is doing right here, right now.
That's an idea Amy Oden emphasizes in her book by the same title. She reminds us that Christian mindfulness is not about escaping reality, but about attentive presence. We learn how to wake up to God's activity in this moment, in this place, and in these circumstances. Jesus embodies such an attentiveness. He refuses to let spiritual habits become mere automatic rituals that are detached from lived reality.
Fasting is good. You should fast more. I should encourage more fasting in my pastoral leadership. But fasting without attentiveness can become tone-deaf and ritualistic. To be sure, Jesus is not rejecting discipline. He's calling his followers to discernment.
How often do we keep practicing yesterday's faith when God is offering today's grace? How often do we cling to seriousness when God invites us into joy, gratitude, or celebration? Holiness begins with noticing, paying attention to God's presence rather than rushing past it.
There will be times to fast. In that moment with his disciples, Jesus says the bridegroom is here. So, the invitation is not to abandon faith practices. Let them serve love, presence, and real communion with God. Let them awaken you to God's presence. Before asking, "What should I be doing?" the Lord invites us to ask, "What time is it with God?"
Right here and right now, God is closer than you think.
Stay blessed...john | 
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