Saturday 8 July

Genesis 27:1–5,15–29; Psalm 135; Matthew 9:14–17

The old and the new

Not only is Jesus’ inclusive celebration of meals a problem, now John the Baptist’s disciples are concerned that those with Jesus do not fast. There is tension here between the claims of the tradition that needs to be honoured and the claims of the Gospel which are ever new. Here and elsewhere, it is presumed that Jesus and his disciples are celebrating his presence among them with meals together. Often Pope Francis expresses concern that Christians lack joy. What can I learn from Jesus? What is my experience of the tension of the old and the new?