Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
A few years ago, we took a vacation to the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. The area is covered with beautiful landscape and is probably best known as one of the premier wine regions in the country. The scenic lakes and rolling hills are a central figure and play a significant part in the renown of the region’s wines, particularly the variety of white wines like riesling. We visited a number of wineries during our stay to participate in tastings and purchased bottles from different places. We are by no means wine connoisseurs but it was fascinating to learn about each winemaker’s process in making the different varieties. In totaling up the bottles we purchased, we transported a couple of cases full of wine back home with us.
Jesus’ parable today sparked some curiosity in me after reminiscing on our trip to the Finger Lakes. Clearly we don’t use wineskins anymore for holding wine; so what is Jesus talking about? At the time of Christ, liquids were stored in clay jars or in containers made of animal skin. The latter were particularly convenient for transportation, as they were easy to carry, lightweight, and occupied less space as the liquid was consumed. Wineskins need to be taken care of because as they are used over time, the leather wears down and risks rupturing, especially if one fills it with new, unfermented wine.
Why does Jesus use this image when he is confronted by the scribes and pharisees? Jesus has come to radically shift our understanding of the world; he lifts up the poor, the disenfranchised, the oppressed, the sick, the brokenhearted. He calls us to renew our hearts with love for God and neighbor, to be merciful and love justice. St. Paul reflects a similar sentiment in his reminder to the Corinthians that we should be regarded “as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. The one who judges [us] is the Lord...for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts” (1 COR 4:1, 4-5)
Our hearts can become like old, worn out wineskins, weakened by sin, hatred, volatility, anxiety, anger, judgment. But Christ is always with us, offering us his grace through the sacraments to repair, strengthen, and fortify our hearts. Let us forge ahead to “Trust in the Lord and do good...for the Lord loves what is right, and forsakes not his faithful ones.” (PS 37:3, 28)
May God bless you,
Brandon Meyer