NEW WINESKIN

July 5, 2025 Saturday within the 13th week in Ordinary Time Year C Matthew 9:14–17 There was a time in my journey when I tried so hard to fit into what others expected of a “holy person.” I fasted, I followed the rules, I tried to be enough. But deep inside, I was tired—spiritually tired. I began to ask the same question John’s disciples asked: “Why do we have to do all these things?” And then I encountered Jesus in a deeper way—not in the rigidity of my routines, but in the freedom of His presence. Like new wine, His love poured into parts of me that had long dried up. I realized He wasn’t asking for performance. He was asking for my heart. Jesus’ words about new wine and new wineskins hit me personally. I was still trying to pour His grace into the old wineskin of guilt, pressure, and perfectionism. No wonder I kept bursting. But Jesus gently reminded me: I am not the same as I once was. His love had changed me. He wanted to give me something new, but I had to be willing to let go of the old—old wounds, old fears, old ways of measuring my worth. That was hard. But slowly, I began to surrender. And the more I let go, the more joy I found. Now I understand—Jesus is not just the Bridegroom of the Church, He is the Bridegroom of my soul. His presence is not a burden to carry but a celebration to embrace. Life with Him isn’t meant to be dry or rigid—it’s meant to overflow with grace, with mercy, with laughter even in tears. He is constantly making things new in me. And though I am still learning, still growing, I now welcome each day with a heart stretched open like a new wineskin, ready to be filled again by the One who turns the ordinary into joy. Blessings Fr. Jhack