Saturday July 4th: The bridegroom is still with us!

“Put new wine into fresh wine skins”

Matthew 9: 14-17

Using metaphors, Jesus explains that His new covenant of grace cannot be contained by rigid, old practices. Its growth is nurtured in an open, flexible heart for a joyful, transformative, and living relationship with Him.

John’s disciples suggest that the Pharisees legal fasting was right. In likening Himself to the bridegroom, Jesus points out that there’s a time for celebration and a time for mourning.

In the spiritual sense, Jesus indicates that His radical teachings cannot be absorbed into old, rigid, legalistic systems of observance and duty. The treasures of the old will be torn from that of the new, causing division and loss, total and complete, as a consequence.

To experience the fullness of Christ: the explosive, life-giving nature of the Holy Spirit, we must be open to inner renewal. New wine. New wine skins!!

Lord, help us reflect if we’re stuck in outdated traditions and rigid mindsets; if we’re old cloths or hardened wineskins that cannot contain nor absorb the vibrant newness of the Spirit. Grant us a living relationship with You. One that embraces spiritual growth and celebrates Your Presence. Amen