Matthew 9
I saw many new converts enjoy more blessings of the Lord. In the meantime, I found many cradle Catholics tangled with many do’s and don’ts. What makes new converts lively in faith? And what oppresses lifelong Catholics in their faith life?
Those new Catholics seem to speak much more about Jesus. On the other hand, many cradle Catholics feel they are restricted by all the religious structures and practices. For the people who newly found Jesus, Christ Jesus is all. But many who were born to Catholicism experience first Catholic practices, customs, regulations, moral codes, hierarchy, and structures. Often, they discover Jesus later on in their life.
In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us of what is more important in religion. It is the Bridegroom. Often, we forget the Bridegroom and focus on wedding ceremony details. Our faith is not in an institution or a set of moral codes but the Person of Christ. Christianity is about Christ not about the hierarchical structure of the Church. Our religion becomes alive when we encounter living Christ. It turns lifeless when we lose focus on Christ.
Christ Jesus is ever alive and ever new. To be with him, we should renew our faith. It begins with recognizing him at the centre of our faith. Let us encounter him first. He is with us.
