New Wine

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012113.cfm) reminds me to constantly strive to live a new life in Christ

An excerpt of the gospel says…

“Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.

Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the

Wine and the skins are ruined,

Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins”

Saying and doing are two different things. You can say one thing, but do the exact opposite. That is why saying and doing goes hand in hand. Say and do. Jesus tells us a similar thing. New wine into new wineskin.

When we decided to follow Christ, we are in effect throwing away our old life – with all its worldliness and sin, and are putting on a new self – one made in the image and likeness of Christ.

We should act that way.

We cannot claim to be followers of Christ, but continue to live a life of sin. Just like putting new wine into old wineskins. It’s not a match.

No matter how difficult it is, we should constantly strive to live new lives. We should take a fresh start and live lives that are pleasing to God, fitting for the new wineskins God has given us. Else, everything will burst and will be put into waste.

Have I really decided to live a life for Christ? Am I actually doing my best to live it? What old habits and sins have I not given up yet? What things should I let go to really live a new life for Christ? What is holding me back from giving them up?

Father God,

Thank you for the weekend. Thank you for the opportunity to rest and spend time with family and friends. Lord, I also thank you for today. Thank you for giving me another day, another week – another fresh start. As I live this day, may I do things that will make you happy. Help me to live a life pleasing to you. May I continuously strive to live a new life for you, no matter how challenging it may be, and no matter how strong the urge to go back to my old life. Amen.

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-