SAINT ANTHONY, ABBOT (MEMORIAL)

New wine is poured into fresh wineskins.

When Jesus talks about new wine and fresh wineskins in today’s Gospel reading, he’s describing the way he will renew our relationship with God through a new covenant. He is telling us that he is the bridegroom who brings the love of God into our lives in a unique and expansive way (Mark 2:19). And he wants us to be ready to receive it.

“Lord Jesus, you give me new wine. This new wine is your divine love poured into me. You love me and created me to be yours. Your love is patient and kind. Your love rejoices in the truth. Your love never gives up and always endures. It is always ready to reach out to anyone in need. As your love in me grows, it can’t help but flow out to those around me.

“Lord Jesus, you give me new wine. This new wine is your divine life in me. It’s the presence of God in my inmost being. You show me who you are: holy, pure, right, and purposeful. You show me how much I need you, and then you draw me to yourself. The more I receive your life, the more I become like you. And that spills over to everyone I meet.

“Lord Jesus, you give me new wine. This new wine is your divine power in me and through me. Your power is limitless—nothing is too great for you. Not only do you heal and deliver me by your power, but you empower me to see things from your perspective. My prayers overflow with hope and confidence in what you can do.

“My Lord, you give me new wine. Help me to be like a fresh wineskin to hold it. I want to be flexible and able to expand as your life and love and power grow in me. I don’t want to hold onto anything that closes me off from you or prevents me from living in a new way. Show me what I need to see. Do I need to forgive? Do I need to lay down my fear and resentments before you? Lord, I want to empty myself so that you can fill me with your new wine.”

“Jesus, I marvel at how generous you are! As you bring me new wine, form me into a vessel to receive it.”

1 Samuel 15:16-23
Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23
Mark 2:18-22