“People do not put new wine into old wineskins.”
Matthew 9:17
Reflection
John’s disciples ask Jesus why they and the Pharisees fast, but Jesus’ disciples do not. Jesus replies that the wedding guests can’t mourn when the bridegroom is with them; when the bridegroom is taken away, then they will fast. He also tells them that no one patches an old cloak with unshrunken cloth because the tear gets worse; likewise, no one puts new wine into old wineskins because they will burst.
Sometimes in life, we attempt to fit new habits into old lifestyles, like putting new wine into old wineskins. This is especially true when we first truly encounter Christ and he transforms us. Suddenly introducing new faith habits or routines to our daily life is good, but if we haven’t fully changed our lifestyle and given all to Christ, then oftentimes we fail.
Our minds and hearts must be set on truly following Jesus and living that out. If we only introduce a new element into our life, such as praying a daily Rosary, but fail to change anything else, most often the new habit dies off quickly. Jesus wants to transform you and the way you live. You can’t keep your old life while embracing the new life Jesus offers. You must accept him fully and let go of the old, especially the sinful parts that lead you away from Christ.
How is Jesus transforming you today, and how is he calling you to cast off the old and broken parts of your life?
Saint of the Day
St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria: 1502 – 1539
“God is not like man who often begins doing something, but does not bring it to fulfillment. God, my dear friends, is unchangeable.”
Sermon 1, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria
The Healing Word 