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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

New wine must be poured into fresh wineskins

Opinion

New wine must be poured into fresh wineskins

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gospel • Luke 5:33-39

The word “new” recurs in this passage several times, all connected to the images proposed by Jesus to understand his true identity and mission. The Pharisees and their scribes are, in fact, perplexed with Jesus: Why does he do things differently? To this Jesus responds by suggesting images that can help them transcend their confusion.

They must take this time of his presence as a call for feasting, not fasting. They are invited to consider him and his teachings, not as a “patchwork” to repair the breach of the past, but as a gift of new wine that flows in the banquet of God’s immense love for his people.

Like the Pharisees, we oftentimes fail to “catch” the newness of Jesus’ presence and teaching. We think and feel we know him fully, that we have heard enough of his words. Perhaps it is our hearts, the container, as it were, that has aged.

And so we fail to welcome and hold the freshness of the Gospel message. We have become cynical through time and, worse, we tend to think that the interpretations we have heard and held on to are the only ones that matter.

Let us ask God’s Spirit to breathe newness into our hearts and minds, to re-create us as “new vessels” that hold the wine of God’s love and compassion, for a fuller and more joyful sharing to the world.

Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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