They said to Jesus, "Come, let us pray today, and let us fast." Jesus said, "What sin have I committed, or how have I been undone? Rather, when the groom leaves the bridal suite, then let people fast and pray." (104 Thomas)

In the synoptic gospels Jesus also compared himself to a bridegroom. Here is what Mark relates, "And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days." (Mark 2: 19-20)

In Mark the disciples are the children of the bridechamber. Another translation is more simply "wedding guests." In yet another translation they are "attendents of the bridegroom." The Greek used in Mark is huios. Most often this referred to any male offspring, implying a sense of dependence on the father. It is also the Greek that is used when Jesus refers to himself as the Son of Man. Are each of us huios?

Is the bridegroom gone? We can more readily agree with Thomas that he has left the bridal suite. The marriage has been consumated. The days of wedding celebration are ended. But the bride and groom remain among us. The mystical union of one and the other persists and from this union proceeds offspring and blessings. Are we, perhaps, as adopted children, both attendants to and descendents of the union?

Above is an icon of the Twelve Apostles, including Thomas.