Anyone who has launched a new project or tried to implement a new way of doing things may be familiar with the fact that not everyone we encounter will welcome the novelty of such approaches. In fact, it takes a little while - and sometimes a lot of patience - for people to see the wisdom of new approaches and to turn away from established routines. In the meanwhile, they will often challenge new ideas, sometimes inflicting much pain and suffering, whether or not such suffering is an intended outcome.
We see evidence of this truth in the gospel passage for today's Mass. The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fasting. People came to Jesus and objected: 'Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?' (Mk 2:18) The people's curiosity can even be interpreted as a kind of judgement. Many of us would perhaps question our motives, unless of course there was another, clearly defined truth unfolding, which was the point that Jesus wanted to emphasize: New wine is poured into fresh wine skins (Mk 2:22).
New approaches can often be surprising. New, fresh ways of looking at situations can often provide opportunities for renewed and invigorated approaches. Such was the case with both of the Saints who are celebrated today.
The early Church experienced great persecution. Many questions were asked by those who were unfamiliar with the new Way, but the Holy Spirit has constantly been at work, and therefore God has continually been surprising us with new approaches. In the early part of 236 AD, Fabian had come to Rome while elections were being held for a new Pope. Although he was present, Fabian was in the mind of none of the electors, yet according to the story, after 13 days of the conclave, a dove suddenly descended upon the head of Fabian. To the assembled electors, this strange sight recalled the gospel scene of the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at the time of his baptism by John the Baptist and Fabian was elected by acclamation.
After the death of Saint Fabian, there came another example of commitment to the novelty of the faith: this time in the person of Saint Sebastian (256-288 AD). In 283, he entered the army at Rome and eventually became one of the Praetorian Guards, all the while keeping secret the fact that he himself was a Christian. Because of his unwillingness to sacrifice to the Roman gods, as was the practice of the time, he was arrested and sentenced to death. Once again, Sebastian's insistence on a new way led to great suspicion and suffering but ultimately, his conviction led him to gain the martyr's crown.
May these two venerated men continue to intercede for us today, inspiring us to be aware of the ways in which the Holy Spirit is still calling us today to something new.
Have a great day.
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