FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

[Adapted from the Sermon for 6-7-2026; Based on Matthew 9:14-26]

This passage presents an interesting series of events. Jesus is questioned about his disciples’ eating habits—why don’t they fast? Or, maybe, why don’t you make them fast?

Jesus lets them know that there will be time for that when the party is over. He tells them that the guests don’t mourn while the bridegroom is there. Now is the time for feasting. It’s not the time for holding back or refraining, and that means some interesting things.

Immediately following this conversation, we encounter two people who refuse to hold back, refrain, or “fast” from Jesus and the blessings that he brings. A leader whose daughter has died asks Jesus to come and do what he can, and a woman who has been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years reaches out to the one who can help.

They come forward, step up and ask, or even sneak in so as not to be held back from the Savior. In response, they are both invited to join the feast and share in the abundance of Christ. The leader is immediately attended to by Jesus. Jesus gets up and follows him. The woman who had been suffering for twelve years is healed and welcomed to the table as family.

“Take heart, daughter,” Jesus says, “your faith has made you well.” He then goes to restore another daughter to her family.

This scene might change our understanding of the feast. Taking time to celebrate, to join the festivities, doesn’t mean there isn’t work to do. It doesn’t mean there aren’t needs to be met.

It does mean that there are people to be helped, and healed, and seen, and invited to join the party. It does mean that the people at this party work to expand that celebration—to build a longer table.

So, what is the role of fasting? As with practices in Lent, the role of this is to place God at the center of the practice, to be reminded of our faith every time we act with intention.

It’s not a tool to persuade. It’s not a bargain to say, “If I do this, God will do that, or like me, or bless me, or bless the people I want blessed.” If that’s the case, you only need to be faithful when you want something from God.

It doesn’t work that way. God wants a full relationship—the good, the bad, the in-between, everything—with God’s people. Steadfast love means love through all the times and situations we find ourselves in. The good meals, the hard lessons, the sicknesses, the healing, the need, and the help are all part of that.

Expanding the invitation is part of that. We hear Jesus say, “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” So, child, cousin, aunt, uncle, friend, keep that faith always, and come and join the feast.

The table is set, and everyone is welcome.