Receiving the Blood of Jesus at Mass is one of the highlights of my life – this is truly new wine. One of the greatest gifts humanity has ever received is found in this communal cup of ours. However, our ability to receive this gift to the fullest is limited by our “old skin”. In order to receive Christ to the fullest we need to work on becoming new – something we can only do with the aid of our Triune God.
So what is the newness Jesus is teaching about in today’s Gospel? I believe he is teaching about a new way of thinking – a new way of loving God and others. Many of Jesus’ day (and today) were offering prayers and fasting in an attempt to move closer to God and this can be a beautiful thing indeed. However, Jesus offers more and in order to receive this “more” we must change our interior and become like him.
Our Bridegroom
To me, the most confusing message in today’s Gospel is Jesus’ words about the bridegroom being taken away. At first blush this runs counter to Jesus’ promise of being with us until the end of days. So how can Jesus (our bridegroom) be both taken away and always with us? There can only be one answer – he is always with us, yet, as a result of our human wounds and weaknesses we don’t fully allow our bridegroom into our hearts. He is “taken away” as a result – taken away by our own doing and our old ways of doing things. Our old wine skins do not permit him to enter in. We are trapped in our old wine skins, parched and desirous of divine wine while living right in the middle of God’s vineyard. Before we can become fully new and receive this glorious wine we must receive new wine skins. Not a bit of the old skin must remain – not even one single patch.
The Power of Surrender and Detachment
How can this be done? How can we truly become new again? Well, we cannot do this on our own – we must surrender all control to God. We must decrease so that God can increase inside of us. Becoming humble like Jesus – always submitting to the will of the Father and allowing ourselves to become “last” is the way of Christ. We must set aside our ego and our need to ascend above others by way of pride. Then we can fall into humility and become more like Jesus every day. This falling leads us into the arms of God himself.
Last week I discussed the power of detachment and its role in our spiritual journey. Detachment is the key to letting go of what our ego clings so desperately too. I believe the best place to start practicing the art of detachment is by looking at the relationships we have with the people in our lives. Look at what is between us and another. Remember, we are all one in Christ – there is no separation between us and the other. Is there love and acceptance, or is there anger and unforgiveness? Who do we need to forgive? Who or what do we need to accept? Who do we need to include?
Allowing Peace
I thought I would offer a meditation I use from time to time when I want to clear my heart and fall into God’s arms. I call it Allowing Peace.
To begin, sit still in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. Next, allow your breath to calm while you pay attention to each inhalation and exhalation. Continue to follow your breath. When a thought arises simply look at it without judgement. If there is pain in the thought ask God to help you heal of this pain. Maybe you need help with forgiveness, acceptance, or inclusion. Ask God for help with this. Then allow the thought to flow into the arms of Jesus – watch it enter into his arms. Then go back to witnessing your breathing. When another though arises do the same thing. Observe it, ask God for healing if necessary, and then place it in the arms of Jesus. Continue until you are at peace. When you are done offer a prayer of gratitude to our Triune God for the healing he just brought into your life.
Global Light For Christ (GLFC)
We are a community striving to grow in love. If you are seeking to become healed of wounds that can only be healed through the love of Jesus please leave your petition below. We always strive to more fully surrender to the will of our Triune God and together we can make a difference in the world. Let’s pray that we all witness God’s love in the world.
And Happy Birthday to our GLFC friend Danjuma! May your day be filled with many, many blessings our brother in Christ!
God bless all of you. See you next week Friday – Carolyn
If you would like to learn more about my work or my ministry I invite you to visit my website: CarolynBerghuis.com
God the Father – hold us in your Fatherly love.
Sacred Heart of Jesus – heal us with your divine love.
God the Holy Spirit – immerse us in divine love.
