The old is good.’ - Do I live with this mentality

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week - Friday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 5:33-39*

*First Reading - Col 1:15-20*

*"The old is good.’ - Do I live with this mentality*

*1) The Old is Good*

We have heard that *Old is Gold*. When we hear this saying we also tend to think that *Old is Good*

Many of us agree with the saying that *Old is Good*. 

But in today's Gospel the saying *Old is good* is presented in a negative way. 

If so what is the meaning of this saying in the context of the Gospel??

*2) Gospel understanding of Old and New*

According to the Gospel, the concept of *new* stands for the person of Jesus and His teaching 

His revolutionary teaching at times goes against the traditions of the Pharisees and scribes and that's why there is a conflict between Jewish authorities and Jesus 

According to the Gospel the *old* stands Religious beliefs and traditions as explained by the Jewish authorities

For their benefits, to the 10 Commandments they had added so many rules and regulations, which really enslaved people rather than giving them liberation

So these things stand for the *old* in the gospel context

*3) The understanding of the Old and new in our context*

 The *Old* in our context stands for wordly things 

Today wordly things are so attractive that, people tend to think that, they are everything in life, they are source of true happiness, peace, and joy. In fact this is not the case according to the Gospel. 

The concept of *new* stands for the spiritual and Holy things, which help us to live our life in a meaningful way. 

So we need to understand the concept of *New* in the realm of spiritual things 

*4) Need of discarding the old things, in order to have the new things*

This is also very practical in our life. Everyday things are changing. Due to the technological advances, old TV, DVD players, CDs, mobiles, old version of Computers are no more in use. We can't upgrade the old things with new material. The only possible way, discard the old things, and go for new things 

The same logic is also found in today's Gospel. The so called old things, sinful nature, bad habits, pride, arrogance, revenge, anger, need to discard inoder to fill ourselves with the new things 

The new things which were brought by Jesus  are, forgiveness, humility, simplicity, sincerity, love, sacrifice, service, generosity, etc can be filled in our life, only if we are ready to discard our old self 

*5) Event of Nativity is a best time to discard the old things*

We are about to celebrate the great event of the nativity of our Blessed Mother 

This event is a best opportunity for us to discard the old things and to adapt new things 

Each day we offer, fresh, new and colorful flowers to our blessed mother. We don't offer the old flowers. This shows us the need of new things, new flowers and new thinking each day in our lives 

*So am I ready to adopt the new things in my life, by discarding the old ones?*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*