The last phrase of Verse 2 of the hymn “Praise to the Lord” by Joachim Neander (1650-1680) and translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878) reads: Ponder anew what the almighty can do. Who with his love will befriend us.
The newness that the Lord provides began when we were conceived in our mother’s womb, and we continued to be renewed in our baptism. That newness continues at every sunrise. How often do we pay attention to the “newness” around us? How often do we ponder the mystery of our dying and rising to eternal life?
Matthew’s gospel this weekend in the long form, last sentence (Matthew 11:25) says, “….the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old”. With confident assurance, we know that we will be made new through the grace of God. Our old corruptible selves will be transformed into incorruptibility as referenced in 1 Cor 15:53-55
Matthew 5:7-8 Alternate Communion Antiphon for the 17th Sunday: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.
Let us bask in this newness during this period of Ordinary Time.