MATTHEW 9:14-17 OPEN TO THE NEWNESS OF CHRIST
Year A, Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, the disciples of John ask Jesus why His disciples do not fast. Jesus answers by speaking about a wedding feast, new cloth, and new wine. His message is simple: when He is present, something new is happening. The coming of Christ is not just another chapter in history; it is the beginning of a new way of life.

Sometimes we can become comfortable with old habits, old attitudes, and even old ways of practicing our faith. We may attend Mass, say our prayers, and fulfill our religious duties, yet resist the changes that Jesus wants to bring about in our hearts. We want Christ's blessings, but not always His transformation.

Jesus says that new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. In other words, if we truly welcome Him, we must be willing to let Him renew us from within. He wants to replace fear with trust, resentment with forgiveness, selfishness with generosity, and routine with a living relationship with Him.

Perhaps the question for us today is this: Am I giving Jesus room to do something new in my life? Or am I holding on to attitudes, habits, or comforts that prevent Him from transforming me? The Lord is always making all things new. May we have open hearts, ready to receive the new life He longs to give us.

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Father Leo