This morning at Mass, Father LeRoy read from the Gospel of St. Luke about Jesus speaking to the Pharisees. They had asked why His disciples did not fast as the others did. Jesus told them that when the Bridegroom was with them, it was a time of joy, not fasting. He also spoke about not pouring new wine into old skins, or patching an old cloak with a new piece of cloth.
After Mass, Father LeRoy explained in such a kind way that Jesus was saying His coming was something new and fresh, and it could not be bound by the old ways. He told us that sometimes we must let go of the worn-out things in our lives, so that the new gift of Christ can have room to grow. Sister Mary Claire whispered to me that it’s like how springtime brings tender green shoots, not stiff dried stalks.
When we walked home, Mini trotted ahead and greeted a little stripped gopher by the driveway. Omelette was waiting for me by the coop, clucking so proudly, as if she had listened to Father too. Sister laughed and said even Omelette might understand the new wine better than some people.
Later we went down to Indian Creek. Shaggycoat had been busy, piling sticks higher and higher into his dam. Mini barked at him, but he only slapped his tail in the water. Omelette rode in her sling, looking about as if she owned the world. I sat on the big rock, thinking how Jesus wants my heart to be like a fresh new wineskin, ready to hold His love.
Evening Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being the Bridegroom of our souls.
Help me to welcome Your love,
and not cling to anything that displeases You.
Make my heart fresh and new each day, like Shaggycoat’s dam that is always being built stronger,
and like the clear flowing creek that never grows tired.
Stay with me tonight, Lord,
and bless Sister, Father LeRoy, Mini, Omelette, and all Your creatures.
Amen.
Love,
Kathy
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