"Rather, new wine must be
poured into fresh wineskins.
And no one who has been
drinking old wine desires new,
for he says, ‘The old is good."
(Luke 5:38-39)
This parable teaches us the importance of being open to new ways of thinking and living that Jesus brings. The new covenant of grace and truth cannot be contained within the old structures of the law. We must be willing to let go of old habits and traditions that hinder our spiritual growth. Our spiritual journey is one of continuous renewal. We should always be open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing ourselves to be reshaped and renewed.
It’s not about merely following rituals but about having a genuine relationship with God. Our spiritual practices should reflect our inner transformation and love for God. Just as a new patch on an old garment would tear, trying to fit new spiritual insights into old frameworks can cause conflict. We need to be flexible and adaptable, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into new understandings and practices.
Our relationship with Jesus should be marked by joy and gratitude. While there are times for fasting and repentance, we should also celebrate the grace and love we receive through Him. Let us live out our faith with authenticity, joy, and a willingness to be transformed by the new life Jesus offers.
33 The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” 36 And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. 37 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. 38 Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. 39 And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’” (Luke 5:33-39)
Lord Jesus, we come before You with open hearts, ready to embrace the new ways of thinking and living that You bring. Help us to understand that the new covenant of grace and truth cannot be contained within the old structures of the law. Grant us the courage to let go of old habits and traditions that hinder our spiritual growth. Guide us on our spiritual journey of continuous renewal and open our hearts to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. May our relationship with You be genuine and deep, reflecting our inner transformation and love for You. Help us to understand that it’s not about merely following rituals, but about having a true and heartfelt connection with You. Just as a new patch on an old garment would tear, teach us to be flexible and adaptable, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into new understandings and practices. Let our relationship with You be marked by joy and gratitude. While there are times for fasting and repentance, help us to also celebrate the grace and love we receive through You. Lord, we desire to live out our faith with authenticity and joy, always willing to be transformed by the new life You offer. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
We are servants of Christ. This means adopting a posture of humility and service in all we do. It’s about putting others’ needs before our own and serving with a heart that seeks to honor God. We are entrusted with various responsibilities and gifts. It is important to be faithful stewards of what God has given us. This includes our time, talents, and resources. Faithfulness means using these gifts wisely and for God’s glory, not for personal gain or recognition.
Human judgment is limited and often flawed. Instead of seeking approval from others, we should focus on pleasing God. His judgment is what ultimately matters, and He sees the true intentions of our hearts. We are encouraged to refrain from making hasty judgments about others. Only God knows the full picture and the true motives behind actions. By waiting for God’s judgment, we practice patience and trust in His perfect timing and wisdom.
Let us be genuine in our faith and actions. It’s not about outward appearances or seeking validation from others, but about being true to our calling and living authentically before God.
1 Brothers and sisters: Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. 3 It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; 4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God. (1 Corinthians 4:1-5)
Heavenly Father, we come before You as humble servants of Christ, seeking to adopt a posture of humility and service in all we do. Help us to put others’ needs before our own and to serve with hearts that seek to honor You. You have entrusted us with various responsibilities and gifts. Grant us the wisdom to be faithful stewards of what You have given us—our time, talents, and resources. May we use these gifts wisely and for Your glory, not for personal gain or recognition. Lord, we acknowledge that human judgment is limited and often flawed. Instead of seeking approval from others, help us to focus on pleasing You. Your judgment is what ultimately matters, and You see the true intentions of our hearts. Teach us to refrain from making hasty judgments about others, for only You know the full picture and the true motives behind actions. By waiting for Your judgment, we practice patience and trust in Your perfect timing and wisdom. Let us be genuine in our faith and actions. It’s not about outward appearances or seeking validation from others, but about being true to our calling and living authentically before You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
The Lord is our salvation and refuge. He is the source of deliverance and strength in times of trouble. He loves justice and will not abandon His faithful ones, ensuring their eternal security. He will bring forth our righteousness and justice, making them evident to all.
God will act on our behalf. We should place our faith, trust and confidence in God’s plans and His timing by actively engaging in righteous deeds and kindness, actively rejecting sinful behaviors and thoughts, pursue actions that reflect God’s character, and seek safety and protection in God’s presence, knowing He is reliable and faithful.
Let us delight in the Lord, find joy and satisfaction in our relationship with God, which aligns our desires with His will.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good, that you may dwell in the land and enjoy security. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will grant you your heart’s requests. (R) 5 Commit to the Lord your way; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will make justice dawn for you like the light; bright as the noonday shall be your vindication. (R) 27 Turn from evil and do good, that you may abide forever; 28 for the Lord loves what is right, and forsakes not his faithful ones. Criminals are destroyed, and the posterity of the wicked is cut off. (R) 39 The salvation of the just is from the Lord; he is their refuge in time of distress. 40 And the Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him. (Psalm 37:3-4, 5-6, 27-28, 39-40)
Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging that You are our salvation and refuge. In times of trouble, You are our source of deliverance and strength. You love justice and will never abandon Your faithful ones, ensuring our eternal security. You will bring forth our righteousness and justice, making them evident to all. Lord, we trust that You will act on our behalf. Help us to place our faith, trust, and confidence in Your plans and Your timing. Guide us to engage in righteous deeds and kindness, to actively reject sinful behaviors and thoughts, and to pursue actions that reflect Your character. May we seek safety and protection in Your presence, knowing that You are reliable and faithful. Let us delight in You, Lord, finding joy and satisfaction in our relationship with You. Align our desires with Your will, and let our lives be a testament to Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
IV: The Ministry in Galilee
THE QUESTION ABOUT FASTING
Luke 5:33-39
Related Blogs:
https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/09/a-new-covenant.html
https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/09/prayer-for-new-things.html
First Reading
II. Disorders in the Corinthian Community
PAULS LIFE AS PATTERN
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Related Blogs:
https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/09/servants-of-christ.html
https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/09/prayer-for-servants-of-christ.html
Responsorial Psalm
First Book of Psalms 1-41
THE FATE OF SINNERS AND THE REWARD OF THE JUST
Psalm 37:1-40
Related Blogs:
https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-lord-our-salvation-and-refuge.html
https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/09/prayer-for-salvation-and-refuge.html
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
