The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said this: No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
In other words, change is inevitable. Whether for better or for worse, people and situations are always changing. Or as it is said, the only constant is change.
Over these few months, we have seen change, and whether we are favourable to it or not, we have to accept it and live with it, and it is quite likely that these changes are here to stay.
In the 1st reading, we read of an issue in the early church that led to disagreement and arguments.
It was about the practice of circumcision. The Jewish converts were for it but Paul and Barnabas were not in favour of it and it was critical enough for the apostles and elders to look into that matter.
Of course we know now what was the outcome and it is no big deal to us.
But for the early Church, it was a moment of change and it was to be a permanent change.
Since then the Church has also undergone much changes in practices and in devotions over the centuries.
As for ourselves, we too know that there is a constant change in and around us.
But we must strive to change for the better. And we can only change for the better when we remain united with Jesus so that we will bear much fruit for the glory of God.