Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. John Chrysostom tells us that the old cloak or the old wineskins that Jesus uses as an image represent his disciples, who have not yet been renewed with the Spirit and therefore are not ready receive the full expectation of the Gospel. The disciples had made sacrifices in order to follow Jesus, but they are not ready for regular austerity, which is the new patch of cloth or the new wine. These new “materials” will demand too much from them, breaking their spirit.
This is why the Church gradually introduces those who have newly joined and the young to penance. They are often idealistic, which inclines them toward extreme practices of penance and devotion, excesses that will overwhelm those who have yet to ground themselves in the life of Christ. The Church encourages the faithful toward moderation, which offers the freedom produced by penance and nurtures any weaknesses of spirit. When one has practiced moderate austerity for a sufficient time, one may discern a calling to take on greater penances for the glory of God, but that is still discerned within the context of the Church.
The Pharisees assigned themselves fasts and other severe practices, but the Gospel shows that many of them did so out of vainglory and pride. In her wisdom, the Church tempers our fervor to prevent us from falling into the same trap.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections