When we repeat the thought and behavior patterns that keep us stressed and unfulfilled, the wineskin of our life is ready to burst.
Jesus challenges us to discard our old habits of anxiety and doubt and face each day with a new attitude of love and hope. We can face the world with confidence in GodÕs love. We can let go of yesterdayÕs troubles and worries and focus on doing our best today. We can approach our responsibilities with a fresh outlook, trusting that God will show us what to do and how to do it. We can refuse to project into the future and instead put our energy into enjoying all that today offers us.
Jesus shows us a new way of living with God as our source of love and strength. We can bring our fears about finances, bills, and employment to God and wait for guidance. We can go to God when we are tired, lonely, or ill and receive comfort and love.
We can sit in solitude with God and rest in the silent healing of GodÕs grace. When lifeÕs pressures, tasks, and requirements make us feel like we are about to implode, we can remember to discard our old way of meeting lifeÕs demands and take up the new way Jesus teaches us: Surrendering to GodÕs will of love of God, ourselves, and our neighbors.
Ponder: What old habits do I need to discard?
Prayer: Lord, you are the new wine of life, love, and peace. Bless me with the willingness to pour out love and joy into the lives of my sisters and brothers.
Practice: Today I will try a new approach to a familiar task.
Adapted from Peaceful Meditations for Every Day in Ordinary Time, Weeks 1-9
by Rev. Warren J. Savage and Mary Ann McSweeny (Liguori Publications, © 2012).