Just as new wine can only be stored in new wineskins, we can only call ourselves Christians when we are born again. To be a Christian is to live a new life. As St. Paul says, “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation, everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You cannot be new wine in an old wineskin. You cannot continue the practices and lifestyle of persons who do not believe in God’s existence while claiming to be a Christian. You cannot serve both God and mammon. If you assume you can pretend, one day your “skin” will burst, and the whole world will know the truth. Be a genuine Christian, a new wine in a new wineskin.
Read MoreFrom Jesus’ action in today’s Gospel passage, we learn that there are several methods of bringing people to repentance. With the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus was harsh and direct, but with Matthew and his friends, Jesus employed a different method – He won their hearts by eating and drinking with them. To his critics, Jesus said: “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Read MoreIn Thomas, we see that God does not necessarily need perfect people; He perfects those who make themselves available for His service. In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells us that we are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints in the Household of God (Ephesians 2:19). We are all called to sainthood regardless of our limitations and imperfections. If Thomas made it to heaven, who says you cannot?
Read MoreWhen the villagers saw what had happened, they were not grateful for the healing of the demoniac; instead, they were concerned about their economic loss. They begged Jesus to leave their neighbourhood, fearing there were more demoniacs within the community. They valued material riches more than spiritual wholeness. Like these villagers, we also beg Jesus to leave our spaces (family, work, school, business, etc.) directly and indirectly when we do not pray, do not keep God’s commandments, pursue sensual (indecent) entertainment, or even deny God’s existence.
Read MoreGod reveals His name. When we consider man, we come to terms with our own nothingness. We also studied the bible today. (Exodus 32). God is merciful and gracious.
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