RBWords

     The images of the cloth and wineskins are invoked by Jesus to underline his reply to the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees on the matter of fasting as a regular spiritual disciple.  Jesus points out that fasting is a sign of mourning.  The only appropriate reaction to the presence of the Messiah ("the bridegroom") is joy!  But there is an additional meaning in that Jesus is a completely new reality that older ideas are not able to handle.  (One might wonder if Jesus was speaking from personal experience in those two images!)

     It has been said that the seven last words of the church are: "We've never done it that way before."  When the Second Vatican Council returned the church to practices that were more ancient than the ones in existence at the time the council occured (1962-65), the "old" ways had a tough time dealing with the "new" ways.  Many were heard to say, "I don't know what it means to be 'Catholic' anymore!"  I can recall from my novitiate experience 1964-65 when English was introduced into the liturgy and certain unique Dominican liturgical practices that had been attractive to me in my decision to enter religious life were abandoned or made optional.  The question arose, "What does it mean to be a Dominican anymore?"

     Jesus invites us to examine our ways of doing things so that we can always recognize his presence in our midst.  If certain observances have taken on a life of their own and obscure the very purpose of the gospel, then we have to consider why we do them.  Whether they date from the Middle Ages or before or are recent developments, the preaching of the gospel and the sacraments of Jesus' presence are paramount.  I enjoy new wine and old wine (I wouldn't dare to try sewing!) but these images make me remember how difficult change can be and how necessary it is if the gospel depends on it.  AMEN