THE AFFAIR BETWEEN THE OLD AND THE NEW

Mt 13:47-53

We tend to flock around anything new. But when the novelty wears off, we return to the familiar because we become aware of what we are missing.

Many people commit the mistake of quickly subscribing to what is new. Many of them are surprised to realize in the process that the thing they think is new is really the old thing with a new wrapping. But we have to go through this kind of experience so as to appreciate the familiar better. What matters is that we learn from our mistakes.

How then should we deal with the old and the new?

First, we should respect the old. The old and the familiar are the foundations of renewal and development. We should not easily disregard the old for the new. We should treasure the old as we must cherish our origins.

Second, while respecting the old, we must not be slaves of the familiar. Many people do not grow, do not progress, because they keep on clinging to the old and refuse to take the risk that is necessary for any growth. Many people miss miracles because they have lost the sense of wonder in living what the new and the fresh stir in every heart. If we must be critical about the new, we should not criticize it only just to have something to say in favor of the old. We should not miss the blessing of the new but neither be blinded by the glitters that may come with it.

Third, we must allow the new to confront us with our complacency with the old but allow the old to provide direction to the new. Complacency always results in mediocrity.

The new confronts the old and improves on it. It renews, converts, and develops the old. But the old gives direction to the new because the old determines what has to be renewed, converted, and developed. Thus, the old is the guide while the new is the catalysts. The old provides context while the new leads us beyond. The old and the new are friends, not enemies. They should not be threats to each other.

Jesus does not advocate disrespect for the old even while He challenges us with the new. Jesus wants us to develop in growth and holiness. Jesus wants us to respect and be grateful to the old but He also wants us to welcome and be refreshed by the new. It is therefore not a question of who is for the old and who is for the new. Rather, it is who can grow in the spirit because he wastes neither the old nor the new. That person, as the Gospel describes today, is a disciple of the kingdom of God.