July 06 – Saturday – Escape Comparison Game – Appreciate newness - Wilson SVD

 July 06 – Saturday – Escape Comparison Game – Appreciate newness  - Wilson SVD

Thirteenth week in ordinary time 

Amos 9:11-15; Matthew 9:14-17

Escape Comparison Game: In the culture of first century Judaism, following the laws and the pharisaic tradition was very important, anything less was considered unrighteous. Jesus and his disciples were not fasting frequently as required by law.  The disciples of John came to Jesus, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciple do not fast? There is an implicit righteousness hidden in this question. The question presents Jesus and his disciples as if there were doing something wrong. The disciples of John the Baptist are comparing themselves with the disciples of Jesus. A question of who is better? who is wrong and right? Many of us make this mistake. Comparison is a trap. When we start comparing ourselves with others, we are down the path leading to dissatisfaction, doubt and jealousy. It undermines out spiritual growth. Comparison is an insult to oneself and an expression of disbelief in the creativity activity of God. Comparison is harmful and does not lead to productive endeavour. 

Appreciation Newness: Old and New – do not contradict but compliment.

Jesus shares two parables:

1. Putting new unshrunk cloth on old cloak.

2. Pouring new wine into old wine skins

At times, there is a tendency to resist change and innovations. Some of us prefer always, ‘old and old only.’ Jesus challenges us to appreciate newness and adopt changes. Newness and change ensure growth and development. Jesus’ mission was not to condemn the then existing practices as useless but to lead them to another level of relevance, application and growth. The purpose of newness is not to disregard the old practices or tradition but to continue them in a more meaningful way. Change is continuity from the past. The disciples of John the Baptist were challenged to move from the baptism of river Jordan to baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

Our Take Away

1. Escape comparison Game. Each one of us is unique and each one of us have a different journey to complete.

2. Old is a foundation and newness is a blessing of continuity and growth.  Openness to newness is an absolute necessity to continue the mission of Jesus. 

Wilson SVD

Divine word Missionary