Saturday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time July 8, 2023

Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saturday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time
July 8, 2023, Matthew 9:14-17
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070823.cfm

A new Wineskin Every Day

What do we think about the following scenario? A child shares with a friend – “My Mom and Dad are part-time. “We eat maybe three times a week, four if we are lucky, because that’s the only time we ever see each other.”  

Or how about this one? “My husband and I got married, but we agreed we would see each other only on the weekends, especially Sunday. “The rest of the week, we would do our own thing.” How much trust would we put in a part-time doctor, lawyer, or contractor who was only halfhearted about their work and showed up when they felt like it?  

And so, honestly, there is no such thing as a part-time disciple of Jesus. So, Jesus points out that you don’t put a patch of un-shrunken cloth on an old cloak. It will just tear away when there’s any strain.  

New wine in old skins will burst the skins. Going to church only on Sunday can be like that. But sometimes, we expect that one hour with Jesus on Sunday to change everything and make us a new person.  

The Gospel is not a Sunday patch but a new way of life and seeing everything. Like any healthy human relationship, discipleship is a daily conversion to Jesus. We are constantly changing.  

Every day is full of surprises. We can plan our schedule, yet the strangest things happen that we never expected. I am learning to be with the Lord throughout the day. A simple thank you, Lord, for a kindness received or just being with me in this next meeting is an invitation He will always accept.  

Gospel Challenge:
 All He needs is for us to open the door to let Him in on the action. Try it; you may be surprised. We need a new wineskin – whatever the Lord wishes to do with us daily. 

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com

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