Any good Catholic is quite familiar with that passage from Matthew; it’s the gospel reading immediately prior to Lent. It’s also why I decided against giving up sugar for Lent several years ago; I had to explain myself so frequently that I decided I couldn’t do it without letting my left hand know what my right hand was doing.
Two weeks before lent is the week of the Publican and the Pharisee, wherein we’re reminded not to consider ourselves holy because of any pious practices we might do.
And I’m surprised at Calvin’s ignorance of the scriptures. Jesus fasted so much that they could count all his bones.
My former coworker (I’m retired) was a Calvinist so arrogant that he disparaged both Baptists and Evagelicals. They and Catholics like me were bound for hell for rejecting predestination. Not even Rev. Billy Graham was spared.
BTW, he raised snakes at home, refused to give Christmas gifts to his children (proudly called himself the “Anti-Claus”) and began each day praying for the rapture and the coming of the End Times.
The calendar in my shop depicting classical paintings of the Virgin and infant Jesus was not appreciated and served as proof that Catholics are idol-worshippers. Oh, well.
I believe the Bible only records Jesus fasting when he was out in the desert (40 days and 40 nights). Am I wrong? It certainly isn’t mandated in the NT. Was it expected though? Yes I think it was. Jesus said “when you fast” not “if you fast”. Where did you get “they could see his bones” from?
***Jesus fasted so much that they could count all his bones.***
ALL his bones? Even the malleus, incus, and stapes*? That’s quite a fast!
BTW, according to Scripture “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard....”” (Matthew 11:19)
Seems like those around him saw him chow down and have a glass of wine.
*Bones of the inner ear, deep inside, and not visible.