Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator
We have all heard the twin parables of new patches on old cloth and new wine in old wineskins. However, not only have we heard those parables, we are constantly living them in our day to day lives. The underlying message of these two parables is, perhaps, the explanation that we understand best of all the parables; namely, as the world changes, we must change with it or we will be forced to change by the world.
Jesus brought a message that was radically new to the children of Israel. However, they were unable to accept that message and clung to their old ways of doing things. The result was that the realm of God was handed over to the Gentiles.
Throughout the history of the Church, those of us who follow Jesus have been asked to adapt our faith to accommodate the needs of the people. The way that we celebrate the rituals and the sacraments of the Church has changed. The language we use in our worship has changed. Our relationship with other Christians has changed. The way we choose our leadership has changed. The manner in which we educate our clergy has changed. Religious life has changed. Even the dogmas of the Church have changed in our own life times.
Clinging to the way things were is tantamount to putting new wine into old wineskins. I dare say that we have all seen and heard about the resulting tearing of the wineskins. In some cases, the damage has never been able to be repaired while in others efforts are still being made to heal the wounds of division.
Jesus was the impetus for change in the life of the people of the first century, and he is the impetus for change in the 21st century as well. The Gospel is about change, about conversion, about repentance, about turning to God and leaving behind my own way of doing things in favor of God's. Let it not be said that, like the Pharisees, we cling to human tradition and forget the fundamental commandment to love God and love neighbor.