Gospel of Mark 2:18-22
People came to Jesus and objected, "Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?.......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."
People came to Jesus and objected, "Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?.......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."
Breaking the Traditional Fast Jesus was a radical in the eyes of the Pharisees, John's disciples and others. He broke the rules! He didn't do everything according to normal Jewish customs. He ate with sinners and tax collectors. He healed cripples and the possessed. He resurrected people from the dead. He preached words that were often misunderstood or "blasphemous." He refused to keep the law of the Sabbath. Why on earth fast when Christ, the Messiah and the holy Bridegroom was alive? Convert and celebrate! Drink wine and feast on fish and bread! A new relationship between Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the human was on the horizon. Instead of a fast in mourning there should be a feast in rejoicing!
Wine of Everlasting Joy As part of my Lay Dominican studies, I'm reading a wonderful book called "The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality A Drink of Happiness" by Father Paul Murray, OP. In the introduction, he quotes Blessed Jordan of Saxony who describes the gospel as "the wine of everlasting joy." Moreover, Saint Catherine of Siena uses a wine metaphor when she describes "Let us behave like the drunkard who does not think of himself but only of the wine he has drunk and of the wine that remains to be drunk!" Reading and praying the Word of God brings joy and happiness. Belief in Jesus Christ gives us hope, love, and a realization that this earth isn't final. We have so much to look forward to in the Kingdom of heaven: an everlasting joy. Of course, we should not think of the wine reference as an invitation to drunkenness, gluttony or licentiousness. The Saints don't okay abuse of wine and other alcoholic spirits! The point is we as religious and lay persons should evangelize the gospel message in an uplifting and enthusiastic way. We should not appear gloomy, sad or boring. Wine lifts the spirits, the gospel message should do the same!
J.O.Y. One Sunday, a priest at my parish spoke about the meaning of joy in life. I will always remember the terrific anachronym he presented to the congregation:
J.O.Y. = Jesus + Others, followed by You.
When we evangelize the gospel message we must first praise Jesus and recognize his presence. Secondly, we must assist with the needs of others including our neighbors and loved ones. Thirdly, we address our own desires.
Don't you feel joy and peace after celebrating the Mass and taking Holy Communion? Don't you feel happier after helping someone hurting and in need? Don't you feel better about YOU because you set aside God and the needs of others before your own?
Joy is contagious! Joy is a blessing! Jesus doesn't want us to mourn his crucifixion. He wants us to celebrate his resurrection. Let us drink a glass of wine in honor of Jesus Christ our Savior remembering his sacrifice on earth for our salvation. His joy is love everlasting!
-J.
Wine of Everlasting Joy As part of my Lay Dominican studies, I'm reading a wonderful book called "The New Wine of Dominican Spirituality A Drink of Happiness" by Father Paul Murray, OP. In the introduction, he quotes Blessed Jordan of Saxony who describes the gospel as "the wine of everlasting joy." Moreover, Saint Catherine of Siena uses a wine metaphor when she describes "Let us behave like the drunkard who does not think of himself but only of the wine he has drunk and of the wine that remains to be drunk!" Reading and praying the Word of God brings joy and happiness. Belief in Jesus Christ gives us hope, love, and a realization that this earth isn't final. We have so much to look forward to in the Kingdom of heaven: an everlasting joy. Of course, we should not think of the wine reference as an invitation to drunkenness, gluttony or licentiousness. The Saints don't okay abuse of wine and other alcoholic spirits! The point is we as religious and lay persons should evangelize the gospel message in an uplifting and enthusiastic way. We should not appear gloomy, sad or boring. Wine lifts the spirits, the gospel message should do the same!
J.O.Y. One Sunday, a priest at my parish spoke about the meaning of joy in life. I will always remember the terrific anachronym he presented to the congregation:
J.O.Y. = Jesus + Others, followed by You.
When we evangelize the gospel message we must first praise Jesus and recognize his presence. Secondly, we must assist with the needs of others including our neighbors and loved ones. Thirdly, we address our own desires.
Don't you feel joy and peace after celebrating the Mass and taking Holy Communion? Don't you feel happier after helping someone hurting and in need? Don't you feel better about YOU because you set aside God and the needs of others before your own?
Joy is contagious! Joy is a blessing! Jesus doesn't want us to mourn his crucifixion. He wants us to celebrate his resurrection. Let us drink a glass of wine in honor of Jesus Christ our Savior remembering his sacrifice on earth for our salvation. His joy is love everlasting!
-J.
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