Daily Scripture, January 20, 2025
Scripture:
Reflection:
“…new wine is for fresh skins…”
Why do your followers not…doesn’t that sound familiar? A typically human response – we want everyone to do as we do, to think as we think, we want life to follow along “same old, same old”. And when they don’t or life changes, we point fingers, we accuse, we villainize or ostracize – anything to not have to face the truth! But in truth, can life stay the same and never change? Would that even be healthy? What would life be like, really, if we all did everything alike and never challenged or thought outside the box? BORING!
Jesus’ response is a wake-up call – pay attention! When the bridegroom is with you – CELEBRATE. Jesus came to make things new, not just to ‘patch up’ or revert back – why would he, it never works – the cloth will just tear again – and the ‘rip’ will actually be bigger and more tattered. New wine needs new skins – new containers – it needs the elasticity and flexibility to contain the freshness and flavor of the new wine.
Are we open to preparing for something new? Are we open to the discovery; are we open to living into new skins? Are we willing to look within first, let God show us where we need to grow, what ‘outdated’ thoughts, biases, judgments, fears or hurts are causing us to typically say “Why do you not…” what can we do to change the way we walk with the other so that we can be open to the new, to live within the both/and rather than the right/wrong? Do we recognize the bridegroom in our midst and dare to celebrate rather than flagellate? Who is our Jesus? And what is he asking of us – individually and collectively?
Faith Offman is the Associate Director of Ministry at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit, Michigan.
Scripture: Ephesians 1:11-14 Luke 12:1-7 Reflection: In our first reading today we hear these beautiful words from St. Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Ephesians: “Brothers and sisters, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-10 Luke 11:47-54 Reflection: In today’s Gospel we see a stern and courageous Jesus who, in modern terms, is “speaking truth to power.” In our daily lives, it’s » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1 Luke 11:29-32 Reflection: Scripture today is rather harsh. Jesus talks about an evil generation that will be judged on our actions, a caveat that rings » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Kings 5:14-17 2 Timothy 2:8-13 Luke 17:11-19 Reflection: How to be Firm in Faith After his cure Elisha the prophet accepted no gift. Naaman then asked him » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Galatians 3:22-29 Luke 11:27-28 Reflection: A group of enthusiastic retreatants shouted “Amen!” one weekend when asked if they believe in the Communion of Saints. They were affirming and celebrating » Continue Reading.
Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary Scripture: Galatians 3:7-14 Luke 11:15-26 Reflection: Eight German Jesuits lived about a mile from where the Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb on » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14 Luke 11:1-4 Reflection: How old were you when you learned and memorized “The Lord’s Prayer” or as we frequently call it, the “Our Father”? Do you » Continue Reading.
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Scripture: Galatians 1:13-24 Luke 10:38-42 Reflection: As the month of October unfolds and the lives of many religious founders are shared with us, today’s » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Galatians 1:6-12 Luke 10:25-37 Reflection: “Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 Luke 17:5-10 Reflection: What is being asked of us is not to have more knowledge of our catechism, but to have a » Continue Reading.