A reading from the gospel according to Mark 2:18-22:
18 The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”
19 Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.
20 But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.
21 No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse.
22 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”
Reflection: Old and New
The gospel reading above shows us the beginning of the tension between Jesus and His critics. The disciples of John and the Pharisees were quick to see and feel the difference between their usual life and the “new life” that Jesus brings. So they complained. Jesus responded by saying that the old had gone and the new had arrived. His use of a wedding as a metaphor means that His presence is like a party or a fun-filled celebration. Obviously, it is not a time for fasting but rather for rejoicing.
Jesus came not to preserve the status quo but to establish the Kingdom of God where there is peace and joy, love and justice, hope and faith. That is why His new radical way of life was at odds with the establishment, particularly the religious authorities. Their opposition to Jesus would later culminate in the crucifixion.
We can easily understand the behavior of the critics of Jesus. Many people would rather cling to their cherished old way of life rather than embrace change. Especially if you are in a privileged situation like the Pharisees of old and elite families in our time, there is no incentive for change. Yet change is the message of Jesus. He has arrived to inaugurate the foundation of a new world that would alter the way we relate to each other and to God.
Indeed, the moment one accepts Jesus as his personal Lord and savior, he becomes a new person (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old self must be transformed into His likeness. It is no longer business as usual. Old habits must die to give way to new habits. It is not easy of course. As in all kinds of change, there is pain involved just like the tearing of old wineskins. But the fact remains, life in Christ is full of joy, hope and love.
*****In the heartwarming passage above, we find a profound message of joy and renewal, a reminder that in the presence of Jesus, our lives are filled with an incomparable joy. This joy, likened to the jubilation at a wedding feast, transcends the traditional rituals and somber practices of old. Here, Jesus is depicted not just as a teacher or a healer, but as a bridegroom, bringing an aura of celebration, a reason to cast aside fasting and embrace joy.
This imagery is powerful. In ancient times, a wedding was the epitome of joy, a time when the entire community came together in happiness and celebration. Jesus invites us to experience this level of joy in our spiritual lives. It’s not just about following religious practices out of obligation; it’s about the genuine joy that comes from being in His presence.
Moreover, the parables of the new cloth and new wine in old wineskins teach us that the message of Jesus cannot be confined to old ways. His teachings bring a new perspective, a fresh understanding that requires us to let go of outdated practices and embrace a new, vibrant way of living. This is not just a call to change; it’s an invitation to a life of joy, as refreshing and invigorating as new wine.
This passage encourages us to find joy in our faith, to celebrate the presence of Jesus in our lives like a community rejoicing at a wedding. It’s a call to live our lives in a spirit of happiness, knowing that with Jesus, every moment is a reason for celebration. Let us embrace this joy, allowing it to transform our lives and our faith, just as new wine fills new wineskins.
*****
Jesus addresses a curious question about fasting. Some people observed that the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees fasted regularly, yet Jesus’ disciples did not. Jesus responded with a profound analogy, likening His presence to a bridegroom at a wedding feast. Then, He used the metaphors of patching an old garment with new cloth and pouring new wine into old wineskins to convey a deeper truth about the transformative power of His mission.
This passage challenges us to think about how we approach change and embrace the new work God wants to do in our lives.
A Time for Celebration
Jesus begins His response by pointing out that the presence of the bridegroom brings joy and celebration. Fasting, often associated with mourning or seeking God’s intervention, is not appropriate when the bridegroom is present. In essence, Jesus is saying that His arrival is a time for rejoicing, not sorrow.
As Christians, this reminds us of the joy we are invited to experience in Christ. When we walk closely with Him, our lives should reflect a sense of celebration and gratitude. Are there areas in your life where joy has been overshadowed by routine, burdens, or traditions? Take heart: Jesus invites you to embrace the abundant life He offers.
The Challenge of New Wine
Jesus’ analogy about new wine and old wineskins is particularly striking. New wine, as it ferments, expands. Old wineskins, already stretched to their limit, cannot handle the expansion and would burst. Similarly, Jesus was introducing a new covenant, one that could not be contained within the rigid structures of the old religious system.
This is a call for flexibility and openness to the Spirit’s work. Too often, we hold onto old ways of thinking, acting, or worshiping, even when they no longer serve God’s purposes in our lives. We cling to past traditions or personal comfort zones, afraid of the changes God is prompting us to make. But new wine demands new wineskins.
Is God calling you to step into something new? Perhaps it’s a new ministry, a fresh approach to your relationships, or a different way of serving others. Whatever it may be, remember that God’s new work in your life requires a willingness to let go of the old.
The Risk of Resistance
The Pharisees resisted Jesus’ message because it disrupted their established system. They valued rules and traditions over the transformative relationship Jesus offered. This resistance serves as a cautionary example for us.
When we resist change, we risk missing out on God’s blessings. Holding onto the past or insisting on doing things “the way they’ve always been done” can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace and power. Instead, we are called to trust that God’s ways, though sometimes unfamiliar or uncomfortable, are always for our good.
Living as New Wineskins
Becoming a “new wineskin” means being open, pliable, and ready for God’s transformative work. It involves renewing our minds (Romans 12:2), shedding old habits, and embracing a fresh perspective rooted in faith.
Ask yourself:
1. Am I holding onto something old that prevents God from doing something new in my life?
2. How can I remain open and flexible to the Holy Spirit’s leading?
3. When we allow God to renew us, He fills us with His Spirit, enabling us to grow, stretch, and carry His love to others.
The Gospel reading above is a powerful reminder that Jesus didn’t come to patch up old systems but to bring a new way of living. This new life in Christ requires us to embrace change, let go of outdated mindsets, and celebrate the joy of His presence.
Let us not be like old wineskins, rigid and resistant. Instead, let us be renewed and ready for the new wine of God’s work in our lives. Embrace the opportunities, step out in faith, and celebrate the transformative power of Christ. For with Him, the best is always yet to come!
