Gospel Reflection for: July 06, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:14-17
In a conversation with the disciples of John the Baptist, Jesus used metaphors of weddings, cloth, and wine to explain why his disciples didn’t always follow the same religious practices as others. He wasn’t saying traditions were bad, but that his teachings brought something fresh and new, like a burst of sunshine into a dimly lit room.
Celebrating Joy
Imagine a wedding party – laughter, music, and the happy couple surrounded by loved ones. Would you expect them to fast and mourn? Of course not! Jesus used this image to explain that as long as he was with his disciples, it was a time for celebration, not mourning. It’s like when we feel close to God, our hearts should be filled with joy and gratitude, not sadness or worry.
Think about the times you’ve felt God’s presence strongly – maybe during a beautiful sunrise, in a moment of deep prayer, or when you helped someone in need. These are moments to cherish, to soak in the joy of God’s love.
Embracing Change
Have you ever tried to fix an old, worn-out shirt with a new, stiff patch? It doesn’t work well, does it? Jesus used this example to show that sometimes, old ways of thinking or doing things don’t mix well with the new things God is doing in our lives.
It’s like trying to use an old, outdated phone with the latest apps. It might work for a while, but eventually, it won’t be able to keep up. In the same way, sometimes we need to let go of old habits or beliefs that are holding us back and embrace the new things God is teaching us. It could be a new understanding of a Bible verse, a new way of helping others, or a new perspective on life.
Welcoming the New
Next, Jesus talked about new wine and old wineskins. New wine needs to be put into fresh, flexible wineskins so it can expand as it ferments. If you put new wine into old, stiff wineskins, they’ll burst.
This is a picture of how our hearts need to be open and flexible to receive the new things God wants to do in our lives. If we cling to old, rigid ways of thinking, we might miss out on the amazing things God has in store for us.
It’s like when you learn a new skill or try a new hobby. If you’re too afraid to make mistakes or step outside your comfort zone, you’ll never grow or discover new passions. The same is true with our faith. We need to be open to new experiences, new relationships, and new ways of serving God.
A Prayer for Open Hearts
Dear God,
Thank you for the newness you bring into our lives. Help us to celebrate the joy of your presence, to let go of old ways that hold us back, and to embrace the fresh, new things you have for us. May our hearts be like new wineskins, ready to receive the fullness of your love and grace.
Amen.
Conclusion
In a world that’s constantly changing, our faith journey doesn’t have to be stuck in the past. Jesus invites us to celebrate the joy of his presence, to let go of outdated ideas, and to embrace the new things he’s doing in our lives and in the world. Just like a new patch on an old shirt or new wine in an old wineskin, trying to mix the old with the new doesn’t always work. Let’s be open to God’s fresh ideas and new ways of living, so our faith can grow and flourish.
May God bless you all, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.