+ Jesus tells us today in the gospel passage that
we must use our good sense in dealing with new things. If we put something new
into an old container, there is a chance that there might not be a suitable
fit. New things would be better put into new containers. What Jesus is saying
here is that the new information that he is giving them regarding the Kingdom
that he is announcing ought to be put into a mind that is clean, clear and
open; dusted, washed and thoroughly receptive: with the wisdom of past
experiences, but not the prejudices! In this way the new experience can be had
to the fullest – and the Kingdom will be that more real!
He also talks about fasting
and not fasting. The disciples of John fasted because they were waiting for
“The Messiah” to come – this is a reasonable posture; the disciples of Jesus do
not “fast” in this particular way because Jesus, who is the Messiah, is with them in person; but when Jesus is taken
from them (for his Passion and Death), then they will fast, they will be thrown
into confusion, they will be in darkness (for a while)!
But this is all for the good:
for the reestablishment of God’s kingdom on earth and in heaven; all of the
rebelliousness and sinfulness of the world will be taken up by Jesus, nailed to
his cross with him, and produce in the Resurrection a harvest of
reconciliation, peace and joy! And then everything that was taken away by God,
as punishment, will be restored. (I) “I will re-plant them upon their own ground, never again shall they be
plucked from the land I have given them, says the Lord, your God.”
May we today, who have Jesus
the Lord, God, Messiah as our Friend, rejoice and be glad, sing his praise and
announce his favor to all we meet! It is our duty, it is our joy! The
Lord speaks of peace to his people!
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