Rituals and Freedom

Then John's disciples came to Him and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast? Matthew 9:14

John had blasted the Pharisees because they were a 'brood of vipers.' Yet they had continued to practice fasting that the Pharisees gloried in. Did John's disciples also glory in fasting? Were they proud that they fasted? We're they then envious that the disciples did not fast, were they judgemental or inquisitive?

In walking into salvation we can still retain old religious ways. I grew up a catholic and learned a lot of religious ways. There were some things I liked, like holy cards, these carried images of Jesus, Mary and the so called saints. I don't know why I liked them but I did. Yet I was happy to drop rosary beads because I have found non-ritualistic prayer and loved it. I was never fond of praying to Mary anyway. The rosary consists of mostly praying to Mary and an 'Our Father,' thrown in every set. Oh how glad I am that that is over.

I liked the smell of insence, even though it made me sneeze. The candles were ok but funnily I do not particularly like candle in my home. I can't explain why but I am not fussed. I am happy for others to have them but they are not me.

So, I suppose I am rambling but trying to make a point at the same time, John was the forerunner for Jesus but had a few old ways. Jesus goes on to tell the disciples of John that like wedding guests that have a bridegroom with them, they do not think to fast. Instead they want to celebrate. He then goes on to say, ' No one patches a old garment with unshrunken cloth, or fills old wine skins with new wine.' I wonder if they got it?

Do you get it? You cannot be religious about your faith. The new is alive and vibrant, full of glory. Don't get bogged down in ritual.

By the way I don't have holy cards anymore and have not for many years.