A LOT TO THINK ABOUT

A LOT TO THINK ABOUT

Some of John’s disciples and some Pharisees approached Jesus and asked why it was that devout Jews fasted but apparently his disciples did not.  When Jesus answered, they got more than they bargained for. 

No one mourns while the bridegroom is still with them…

No one patches a worn cloak with an unshrunken patch…

No one puts new wine into old wineskins… (Matt 9:14-17)

It is possible that Jesus did not say those things all at the same time as it is written.  It could have been a dialogue with the disciples of John and the Pharisees over a period of time.  In any event, it is a very important moment in the mission of Christ. Jesus is using homely examples that cannot be misunderstood to tell his listeners that he has come to change things dramatically.  As always, his explanations are lucid and sensible.  The problem for his enemies was that they had let fear of change drive them, so they must protest. 

Vatican II attempted to affect the same kind of thing when the Bishops of the world examined the relationships between the Church and the people and found that the emphasis was weighted on the side of obedience to rules with less emphasis on Christ.  The changes they made were intended to bring people back to a position of participants instead of spectators. It worked for the most part; certainly the number of people ministering at Mass is proof of that.  

Still, opposition to change reared its ugly head immediately.  That has to do with our desire for comfort.  We fight change because we don’t want our comfort zone disturbed, but Jesus was all for that.  He wanted them to know the old ways were over and that love and care for one another must be the main focus of everyone’s life.  His disciples and all those who came after were on fire with zeal for the changes Jesus wanted.  And when Vatican II finished up, our parishes were on fire to bring these new (old) ideas into our worship. But, Vatican II was a long time ago and we have settled again to what is familiar and comfortable.  But the world is crying out for something, and the answer is Jesus.  We, his disciples, are the ones who must remind them of Him or introduce them to Him.   Loving one another isn’t a quaint idea. Jesus put that on top of his list of changes. It must still remain on top of our list. When truth, patience, tolerance, and courage begin to disappear, we know we’ve lost our way.   The earliest disciples reflected the words of Jesus in their actions.  We can do no less.  In fact, we must follow their example.

Jeremiah 7:10-11

“If each of you deals justly with their neighbor; if you do not oppress aliens, widows and orphans, I will remain with you in this place”

Blessings,

Carol Lemelin OPA