Old and New wine and wineskins : The old is good

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Second Week :  Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 5:33-39*

*First Reading : Col 1:15-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5*

*Old and New wine and wineskins : The old is good*

*1) Symbolism of the Parable*

*New wine* = The new message Jesus brings: the Gospel, grace, the new covenant.

*Old wineskins* = The old structures: Jewish laws, traditions, the old covenant.

*New wineskins* = Hearts, minds, and structures open and flexible enough to contain and embrace the new teaching.

*Old wine* = What people are familiar with, what they are used to—often representing tradition, comfort, or the former way of life.

*2) Focus: “The old is good”*

This last line is unique to Luke's Gospel and can seem surprising. 

Instead of pushing entirely toward the new, it acknowledges a human resistance to change, and even a preference for the old.

*3) Human Nature Resists Change*

People tend to prefer what they know. Even when something better comes, it’s hard to let go of the familiar.

There’s a kind of inertia in human behavior: “The old wine tastes good enough. Why risk the new?”

*4) Tradition vs. Innovation*

The parable doesn’t necessarily condemn the old. It acknowledges its value. 

But the key message is that the new has its own place and requires new forms to contain it.

The line “the old is good” could be ironic—highlighting how people cling to tradition even when transformation is needed.

*5) Spiritual Renewal Requires Inner Flexibility*

The wineskins represent our capacity to receive something new.

Without inner change—renewal of heart and mind—we can’t properly receive the "new wine" of Christ’s message.

But old forms (religion, structure, mindset) may not be able to hold the new reality of grace, freedom, and direct relationship with God.

*6) Respect for the Old, Openness to the New*

This isn’t about rejecting the old but about recognizing its limitations.

Even Jesus says He didn’t come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).

There's a both/and tension: the old has value, but it must make way for fulfillment in the new.

*7) Applications Today*

*A) In Personal Growth*

Are you clinging to old habits or mindsets that can’t contain new life, insights, or spiritual growth?

Do you find yourself saying “the old is good” simply because it’s comfortable?

*B) In the Church or Community*

Are institutions trying to pour fresh ideas into rigid, outdated structures?

Do we allow for new expressions of faith, worship, community—or do we demand everything conform to “how it used to be”?

*C) In Society and Culture*

Social change often meets resistance for the same reason: “the old is good.”

But some wineskins (systems, attitudes) can’t hold the pressure of the new without bursting.

*8) Final Reflection*

The parable invites us to honor the old, but not idolize it.

God is always doing something new—but we must become new ourselves to hold it.

*You might ask yourself:*

What are the "old wineskins" in my life?

Am I resisting something new because I think “the old is good”—or because I’m afraid to change?

Where is God trying to pour new wine into me—and am I ready for it?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*