“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.”
Mark 2:22
Tradition is good. Fr. Yves Congar, one of the great theologians of the Second Vatican Council said that tradition is supposed to fan the flames, not preserve the ashes. With this parable of Jesus in mind, we have to remember what is at the heart of the tradition: the wine or the containers for the wine? Jesus is the good wine, the wine that never gets old and is always new. Because he is so good, he needs to be carried and delivered in a worthy manner.
The Advent and Christmas seasons are a good time to think about our own traditions. And not just our religious traditions, but our daily habits and rituals. Do they fan the flames of love for God, or hold on to something you need to let go of? From time to time we need to refresh and renew the ways that we walk with God in our daily lives.
What are the old wineskins in your life that need to be replaced with new ones?
Father, send your Holy Spirit to inspire me to grow to better glorify you.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Deacon Zach Brasseur
Did you know...
Deacon Zach Brasseur is a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He is a transitional deacon for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. God-willing he will be ordained to the priesthood in May 2022. His home parish is St. Paul's in St. Petersburg and he is an alumnus of Saint Leo University. Zach enjoys golf, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the music of the Avett Brothers. His favorite bible verse is John 6:68.
