Not so fast

Now the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast. And they came to Him saying, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast? (Mark 2:18).

Jesus answered them that fasting is appropriate for a time of mourning, not a time of celebration. That He is still with them is cause for rejoicing, not sorrow. Now the time will come when He will be taken from them, then they will fast. And He was taken from them on Good Friday. But Sunday, as Tony Compollo used to say, is surely coming. And then they would rejoice again. 

He was taken up to Heaven after 40 days, and the Holy Spirit came down 10 days after that. So is now the time to fast? He is with us, albeit in Spirit, not corporally. Is now a time for mourning? Or for celebration? I suppose both. Mourning over our sins, but celebrating the fact of our redemption, are appropriate.