RESISTANCE TO CHANGE

Once there was a girl who prayed to Jesus for a doll that would replace her old and tattered one. Every day, in front of the crucifix in their chapel, she would beg Jesus in her prayers for the new toy, showing the sorry condition of her old toy. One day, Jesus appeared to her to answer her prayers. But before she gets her new doll, she had to give up the old, while Jesus held at His back almost a life-size doll made of porcelain. At that moment, when she was about to receive the one she was praying for, she held her old doll tightly. She could not let go of it. More than the memories she had with it, she could not let go of her old doll because of the fear that the new doll might not be better than the one she has. She held the old one firmly, while Jesus kept asking her to let go of the old so that she might be able to embrace the new. She walked away from the chapel, holding in her hands the old doll. She was not able to let go of the old and consequently missed the better and new doll Jesus offered.  

The Pharisees resisted Jesus and His message for they insisted in believing they are right. They heard Jesus but failed to listen to His message, for their ears were covered with self-righteousness. They believed that what they have is the best which no one can equal or surpass. But Jesus is giving something better than any of the best man can ever conceive. Never before has anyone spoken like Jesus. Never before has anyone presented anything like what Jesus offered to man: eternal life. The coming of Jesus divided them, for they were torn between holding on to what they believed to be the best, and letting go of it to embrace the gift Jesus offered.

Are we torn with the same predicament, holding on to the things we think to be the best; between what Jesus offers to us which is better than the best? When confusion clouds our judgment, we entrust ourselves to God. God, after all, is our refuge and strength. In him, we shall find clarity of mind and heart; that is, if we dare to listen more than simply hear His words; if we dare to embrace the things he offers to us which are better than best we can ever conceive.