A Homily on Mark 2:18-22 : Transform Yourselves ( 19-1-26)

A powerful homily inspired by Mark 2:18-22, teaching that real change begins with transforming our own hearts before expecting change in others.( 19-1-26)

Praise be to Jesus Christ

Once there lived a deeply religious person who was troubled by the state of the world. Every day, news of violence, corruption, broken families, and loss of faith disturbed the heart. So the person began to pray sincerely: “Lord, this world has become bad; please change the world.” To support this prayer, the person took up penance. One meal a day was reduced, long hours were spent in silence, and nights were shortened to give more time for prayer. Weeks passed, months passed, and years passed, but the world looked the same. Then the prayer became more focused: “Lord, change my country.” The penance became stricter. Food was given up on many days, sleep was reduced, and barefoot walks to holy places were taken. Still, there was no visible change. Slowly, the prayer became smaller and smaller: “Lord, change my state,” then, “change my city,” and finally, “change my village.” The effort continued, but disappointment also grew, and gradually tiredness entered the soul.

One day, in deep silence, the person prayed without many words: “Lord, at least change my life.” Slowly, something began to change. Anger reduced, harsh words softened, pride weakened, and the way of looking at others changed. Family members noticed peace, and the village noticed something different. Then the person understood and whispered, “Lord, I wasted many years. If I had asked You to change me first, my changed life would have already touched many lives.”

This story touches the heart of today’s Gospel, Mark 2:18–22. People come to Jesus and point fingers, asking, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” (Mark 2:18). This question sounds religious, but inside it carries comparison and judgement. Jesus does not answer by defending His disciples or by blaming others. Instead, He speaks about something deeper. He reminds them that the bridegroom is present (Mark 2:19), and then He gives a powerful image: “No one puts new wine into old wineskins” (Mark 2:22). Jesus is not speaking only about fasting or religious rules. He is speaking about inner growth. Without inner change, even holy practices lose their meaning.

Very often, our concern is not conversion but comparison. When we keep asking, “Why others are not doing,” it clearly shows that our spiritual life has stopped growing. A growing soul looks inward, but a stagnant soul always looks outward. Jesus is not interested in counting the prayers, fasts, or sacrifices of others. He is interested in the transformation of the heart. New wine needs new skins (Mark 2:22). The Gospel cannot remain in a heart filled with pride, judgement, and constant comparison.

In family life, this Gospel speaks very strongly. A parent may complain, “My children do not pray.” A spouse may say, “My partner has no faith.” Elders may blame the younger generation. In the same way, in religious life, it is easy to say, “Others are not disciplined,” “Others are not committed,” or “Community life is not what it used to be.” But Jesus gently turns the question toward us and asks, “What about you?” Have I allowed the Gospel to change my patience, my humility, my way of speaking, my forgiveness, and my love?

The Old Testament already teaches this truth. God says through the prophet Jeremiah, “I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts” (Jeremiah 31:33). God never wanted only external obedience. He always desired inner conversion. That is why the prophets did not encourage people to accuse others. They called each person back to personal responsibility and personal change. Even King David did not blame anyone else for his failure. He prayed with honesty, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10).

Jesus calls Himself the bridegroom (Mark 2:19). When the bridegroom is present, the focus is not on rules but on relationship. When our relationship with Jesus is alive, change happens quietly and naturally. Then we do not waste our energy asking why others are not fasting or praying. Instead, we ask whether our love has grown and whether our heart has become new.

So today, Jesus invites us to stop watching others and start watching our own heart. Real change never begins with complaints or comparisons; it begins with personal conversion. I cannot change you, and you cannot change me. But when I allow the Gospel to change my life, my patience, my words, and my love, that change itself becomes a challenge to others. Without preaching much, a transformed life speaks.  So challenge others by bringing in change in your own lives.

Lord Jesus, Give me conversion.

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God Bless…