Pritam Dangwar csc –
Readings: Gen 27: 1-5,15-29; Mt 9: 14- 17
In today’s Gospel we see Jesus uses three illustrations to show that he was bringing in a new life, new age and a new covenant between God and man. The first illustration is that of the bridegroom. Jesus says that he is the bridegroom who is ushering in the Messianic age.
The Messiah brings in a new age and a new life: an age of joy and liberation. When we are aware of the bridegroom’s presence and walking close to him, there is no need to fast. It is a time of praise, rejoicing and service. But the bridegroom seems to be far away, and we are not so conscious of his presence and are not walking as closely as we should, then we need to fast and seek his presence and power.
The second illustration is that of the new cloth. The new cloth illustrates a stronger life and age. He is ushering in a new life which is stronger than the old life and age. He doesn’t want to take his teaching and patch up the old teaching. The third illustration is the new and old wine. The new wine will burst the old wineskins. Jesús teaching brings in more power and life. We must let go the old and meaningless rituals to let in the newness of Jesus. The new life is the new covenant that Jesus came to establish between God and people.