Monday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time
1 Sam 15:16-23
Mk 2:18-22
“Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of fasting while the bridegroom is still with them?”
I am a lifelong Manchester United fan. Since Alex Fergerson retired as manager in 2012, the club’s football achievements have been mediocre. It also bought many overrated and inconsistent players. The one bright spot in this sea of darkness was the goalkeeper, David De Gea. Since 2012, he has been a bastion of excellence and consistency.
Then it all changed. The new team manager, Eric Ten Hag became like the evil stepmother in a Disney movie. He replaced good (David De Gea) with evil (new goalkeeper Andre Onana) to ‘update’ the role of a modern goalkeeper. So far, it has been an unmitigated disaster. Onana has solely turned victory to defeat in many important matches. The manager has choked on its own poison apple. “Why change?” is the new battle cry of every fan now.
This question is also the topic of today’s short gospel. The Pharisees had confronted Jesus on why he and his disciples did not keep the “old practice” of fasting. Jesus replied with three parables – the bridegroom with the wedding guests, patching new cloth on torn clothing and pouring new wine into old wineskins. All make the same point. Jesus has come to update the old traditions of the past into something new and better.
Take fasting. At that time, the Pharisees did so every Monday and Thursday. They expected everyone to follow suit. However, Jesus rejected this ritual practice. Instead, he taught that fasting should be done when the time is right and with the correct intentions. Therefore, his disciples (the wedding guest) did not fast as Jesus (the bridegroom) was still with them. It was a time of joy. As for sewing a new patch on old torn cloth and new wine in old wineskins, Jesus’ message was clear. — He was the new cloth and wine that cannot be part of the Pharisee’s old ways and traditions. He had come to establish a new and better covenant for his people.
So, were the new ways better? I believe the answer lies in its results. Jesus’ new covenant and practices have evolved into the Christianity that we know today – a faith that has more than one billion followers.
Recently, Pope Francis announced significant policy changes to embrace the LGBTQ+ community. Now, transgender people can be baptised, be godparents and be witnesses in church weddings. Priests can also bless individuals who are in a same sex relationship (subject to guidelines). This new approach has not been universally accepted within the clergy and faithful. And even though the Vatican had released several statements to explain the matter, I myself admit to a certain uneasiness. Nonetheless, out of obedience, I will defer to the apostolic authority of Pope Francis. The results will eventually show if this change is correct. By then, I hope the Catholic Church will not be like Manchester United and score an own goal.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer: Lord, guide the Pope and the clergy to lead the faithful forward in embracing your faith well. Help the Catholic Church to stay united and strong.
Thanksgiving: Thanks be to you, Abba Father, for our faith. Help me to pray with sincerity and belief.
OXYGEN 
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