Probably all of us have experience of “small town Ireland” (or wherever). The limited set of expectations limits what we can see and recognise in others. It may even be that we are both victims and perpetrators! Familiarity does not always breed esteem. This is even true in the faith: we can be so “familiar” with it all that any sense of energy or newness has long since dissipated. And yet, we should allow ourselves to be surprised by the God of surprises: “See, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) This newness of the Gospel is more radical than mere novelty: it is a new creation in Christ. New wine, new wineskins!

Prayer

God of the new, help us shake off the shackles of familiarity and come once more with open hearts and lives to hear again your prophet Jesus. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Kieran J. O’Mahony OSA