Habits Die Hard

A common phrase says that “Old habits die hard.”

Our present society and even that of the past would certainly attest to this phrase. Old habits die hard. Looking at our society, we can easily recognize marks of stupendous immoralities and dis-eases in their various forms; the corruption in government and offices, indifference among nations and communities, divorce and the Reproductive Health Bill issues, decadence of role models. These were real even in the past. Thus, we are still at the brim of what we call decadence. and we are not excluded. We also bear with us old habits that certainly and most likely will break us if they are not 

put into decay.

Our gospel reading today once again visualizes the phrase old habits die hard. The Pharisees caught Jesus and his disciples breaking the law of the Sabbath by picking the head of the grains. It was an act of disobedience against God. And the Pharisees were correct. The disciples have truly committed a huge mistake. And yet we know that the Pharisees missed the point. Sabbath is made for man not man for Sabbath.

And here comes Jesus who himself brought with him his old habit – breaking barriers bridging hope –by breaking certain human laws. The Pharisees see the actions of the disciples but Jesus sees their hearts. 

In our first reading, the Lord has anointed David, chosen to be king of Israel. It was not because of his stature or skill or ability that he was chosen. But God only sees the heart where man oftentimes miss and cannot see. 

We are oblate missionaries chosen, anointed, appointed by God for his people. It is not so much on the laws or structures or principles that we were commissioned but for the people. Yes, they are important but the life of the people, their needs and concerns should take precedence. Yes, we are sent for the world but in particular for the people of God, the poor and the most abandoned. 

This recollection is another opportunity for us to re-examine or even over-haul if needed, our values towards our people , our structures of doing mission  without compromising the values and principles of the gospel.

Old habits die hard, yes, but the good ones in particular should not cease but rather be transformed to answer the real need of the community.