RBWords

     Volumes and volumes have been written about Jesus' parables and images.  Centuries of reflection have not exhausted their freshness.  At times, however, our modern experiences may have to adjust in order to benefit from these images.  We in the USA may not have any experience with wineskins or cloak-mending.  Jesus' audiences did have that experience, as did those for whom the gospel was written.  What are we to do?

     In the case of today's scripture, we might ask what Jesus was responding to.  The disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees thought their way of living faith was not only the right way but the only way.  When Jesus' disciples did not act in that way, questions were asked.  I think we can identify with that experience even if the challenge is one we may have difficulty meeting.  We may think that the way we live our Catholic faith is the right and only way to live.  Any other way is "heresy" or at least a threat to us. Jesus was clearly a threat to the Pharisees' way of living.

     Pope St, John Paul II,  Pope Benedict XVI, and now Pope Francis have all spoken about a "New Evangelization."  They are not speaking of evangelizing people who have never heard of our faith.  They are referring to baptized Catholics who have lost their connection with the church for whatever reason.  Pope Francis has been challenging the church to find ways of showing mercy and welcoming people back to the community.  I have met Catholics who feel threatened and confused by his attitude.  I think he is offering new wine and challenging us to find fresh wineskins.  His image of the church is not that of the "perfect society," but a "field hospital" for the wounded.  He is shaking things up and lots of questions are being asked.  If we go back to today's gospel, perhaps we can find some ways of understanding what he is doing.  AMEN