And no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good'” (Lk 5:39).
Many of us can relate to holding on to the old. It is more comfortable, it is proven to be tried and true. A favorite wine, a pair of broken-in jeans or shoes, a favorite book read time and again, these are all part of the simple pleasures of life. In Jesus’ parable, he is challenging us to go deeper though. He is inviting us to recognize those things that we are holding onto that may be preventing us from growing in our relationship with him. He is also challenging us to discern the difference between apparent goods and the real good.
We have created patterns in our lives that may appear and feel safe, but in actuality may be holding us back from a deeper and fuller experience in life. They may also be compensating for unhealthy behaviors or vices, or defense mechanisms that may have initially been necessary in overcoming a stressful or traumatic situation, yet we are in a place where we can let go and heal now.
We may be influenced by cultural or social tremors that may dictate to us that we are too old, that we are too young, that to do this or that is too much of a risk… Each of these examples can be challenging on the material plane of existence, yet while Jesus seeks the best for us in our everyday activities, at the same time, he is calling us to go even deeper spiritually.
God the Father is infinite and inexhaustible. Though the Gospel remains the same, there are always new ways, new means to hear the message, to go deeper, so to better be able to practice and share what we have learned. Each generation has to claim the deposit of faith passed on for generations as its own. Our faith is not some inanimate artifact passed on but an organic relationship that matures and deepens age after age.
About two and a half years after JoAnn had died, I decided to explore what my life going forward without her was going to look like. She had recommended putting everything on the table and so I did. I whittled eight viable options down to two. I remember the talk with God like it was yesterday.
Standing in our bedroom, I was discerning between taking a year or more off, collapsing, and then maybe doing some reading, writing, and just living simply and quietly. I just wanted to rest and regroup. The other option, pursue the priesthood. I asked God what he wanted me to do. Priesthood. My body sank but my soul soared. After two years of drinking the new wine of being a seminarian, no easy journey, I am just getting up and running as I begin my fifth month as a priest. Thankful that I accepted that first sip of new wine!
What is the old wine that you are holding onto because you are not willing to take a risk at sipping from the new bottle that Jesus is holding out for you? Accepting his invitation is not so much like taking our hand off the wheel or the handlebars, but it is allowing Jesus to work in and through us. A life surrendered to Jesus, lived in collaboration with him, is ever new, and to be engaged in a new way that we haven’t experienced before!
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Photo: Serving parent’s weekend with my brothers last September. As you can see, I am the only one who has not turned my water into wine!
Spiritual Stepping Stones 