One way to generate excitement and interest is to introduce something new. This time last week, millions across the world experienced the euphoria that happens every decade or two; a new Pope emerged on a balcony before an ecstatic audience.
Reacting to this incredibly profound moment, Pope Leo XIV, was visibly moved. Commenting on his new ministry he humbly said, “it is a blessing and a cross”. Equally he’s excited about his priorities on matters of social justice, peace and the artificial intelligence digital revolution. Developed over time, these are the urgent matters of our day. We follow closely how Pope Leo will guide us into the future.
For the disciples, one of the important matters of concern was about allowing new members without a Jewish background into the church. From the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Barnabas in their ministry preached what God has done to create a new community of faith where all can belong “On their arrival they assembled the church and gave an account of all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the pagans.” We can imagine the excitement when the boundaries and restrictions on new members were lifted! Removing those rules created new and endless opportunities.
This was an important development that changed the early church allowing it to expand across lands and seas. Today, we are the beneficiaries of this. Without newness we find ourselves stagnate as an enclosed church; closing ourselves to the spirit that promotes growth. This is not to say everything new is good, it requires discernment as the disciples did.
The word “new” runs through all our readings this weekend “now I am making the whole of creation new”; “a new heaven a new earth”; and again “I give you a new commandment.” The newness that God creates is everlasting constantly at work regenerating us. This is something we can be excited about!
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