God’s ways are mysterious!

Author: Fr. Arockiasamy Savarirayan SVD
Newness of life is not a patchwork!
Reflection Date: July 05, 2025 Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29; Matthew 9:14-17

The blessing of the firstborn held immense honour and privilege in Jewish society. Isaac intended to bless his eldest son, Esau, and asked him to prepare a savoury meal he loved. But Rebekah, the mother, cunningly rewrote tradition. Jacob was no less crafty. The mother-son duo conspired and deceived Isaac. Rebekah not only prepared a delicious meal but also dressed Jacob in disguise to fool his blind father. Jacob had already tricked Esau earlier in the episode of the lentil stew, where a famished Esau gave up his birthright for a meal. This entire episode is carefully stage-managed. Rebekah is deceptive, Jacob is a repeat liar, and together they mislead a blind and aging Isaac.

Yet, God blesses Jacob. He makes him the third Patriarch, after Abraham and Isaac. At the same time, God does not abandon Esau; He blesses him too, making him a great nation. Through all of this, God works out His purpose. Truly, God’s ways are mysterious and beyond human logic.

Fasting is a noble discipline, good for both body and soul, as it helps control bodily desires and refine emotions. But it is not meant to be paraded. While the Jews fasted in anticipation of the Messiah, the disciples of Jesus were already in the presence of the Messiah, yet they failed to recognize Him. Jesus refers to Himself as the bridegroom. In His presence, fasting is out of place.

He then offers three metaphors: the wedding feast, garments, and wineskins. With these, He introduces a new covenant that doesn’t merely patch the old but replaces it entirely. The new cannot be stitched to the old, for the original and complete renewal that Jesus brings is far superior. The original, in God's design, is always the best.

Call to Action: 

Trust God's mysterious ways and embrace the new life Christ offers with a renewed heart.