Human beings can be very sly and manipulative. They struggle to get an advantage over others or win power and glory and will often use almost any means. The story of Jacob and Esau is a case in point: Jacob robs Esau of his birthright by trickery and Esau loses it through carelessness and immediate gratification of his desires. But Jacob will pay: later on his wily uncle will trick him twice - and Jacob was not too happy about it. He will also have to come back and face his brother after many years. He will have to face himself and his actions just as we do. Yet through all of the mess caused by human fear and selfishness God continues to work. Far better for us to learn very early that we are not in ultimate control - God is! The entire process of redemption is much easier and less painful when we cooperate with God rather than pretend to be God.

The old and the new are sometimes very unhappy companions. Some of the crowd complains that Jesus' disciples are not fasting. Jesus must explain that something new is afoot. And unless they change their thinking - expanding their hearts and minds - they will not understand and will be left behind. When new ideas are poured into minds and hearts that are not open or properly prepared, much is lost. New vessels are needed to receive and contain something precious - and that can only happen when we are open to God's spirit and willing to leave behind worn-out ways of thinking.