Gospel in Art: Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?

The Fasting of St Charles Borromeo, by Daniele Crespi 1628 © Santa Maria della Passione, Milan

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 4th March 2022 - Matthew 9:14-15

John's disciples came to Jesus and said, 'Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?' Jesus replied, 'Surely the bridegroom's attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast.'

Reflection on the Painting

We are now three days into Lent and Jesus talks about the attitude we should have towards fasting. We hear about the disciples of Jesus being criticised by St John the Baptist's disciples for not fasting. It would be fair to say that John the Baptist was a more strict and austere man than Jesus. Jesus wants to re-address the reason for fasting. Fasting shouldn't be an end in itself but should serve a higher purpose. It should be a way of celebrating the great purpose: the desire to serve God. Referring to Himself as the bridegroom at a wedding, Jesus accentuates this celebratory element. The purpose of fasting is to enter in a purer, more authentic relationship with Christ, so it is a way to rejoice like we'd do at a wedding.

Our painting by Daniele Crespi depicts Saint Charles Borromeo fasting. He is having his dinner, just bread and water, whilst reading scripture in front of a crucifix. Charles Borromeo (1538-1584), was the Archbishop of Milan and a leading figure, alongside Ignatius of Loyola and St Philip, in the Counter-Reformation combat with the Protestant Reformation. He was responsible for significant reforms in the Catholic Church, including the founding of seminaries. We have reflected on him before with a different painting by the same artist (see https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/224). The stripped-back interior with a simple table and reduced colour palette accentuate the sense of fasting.

The painting beautifully conveys a certain sadness. The joy of Charles Borromeo's closeness to Jesus is tangible as well. Our Gospel reading also highlights the contrasts between the joy of Christ's friendship with us, the pain He endures and the hard path that he asks us to follow. Joy and sadness go hand in hand in our faith. In our prayer lives too, one day we are just so thankful to God for all he has given to us and the next day we may genuinely feel empty and lost. Both moments of prayer are equally nurturing to help us grow in love for Christ.

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/1102
Christian Art - www.christian.art