In Our Footsteps, In Our Thoughts
Pass the Wine! Oh, Ain't None.
Photo By: Flickr/Henri Bergius
Sometimes, when the Gospel is read, or when I read the daily readings at home; something said or read jumps out and hits me. I think, wow, wouldn't that be a great approach for a reflection to share.
As I write this, the reading today was from Gospel of Mark 2 v 18-22 but it was the last part that was the eye opener for me.
“No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak.
If he does, its fullness pulls away,
the new from the old, and the tear gets worse.
Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.
Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins,
and both the wine and the skins are ruined.
Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”
We are supposed to be the vessel that carries within us---the living Presence of Jesus. We are His temple or in this case the wineskin that the new wine has been poured into. I know that in my case there has been plenty of times that my fleshly wineskin leaked out God’s goodness and grace as I poked on others and got poked on by good ole humaness and this busy body person came away from the day with holes in her.
Offended by remarks, upset over situations, worried or frustrated with events or circumstances of the world around---you know all that pokes you and rubs you the wrong way, leaving gaps sometimes in that protective skin that is supposed to keep ‘bacteria’ out. Sometimes it is the pressures of life that causes the bed sores as we sit too long in apathy or anger and have a ‘breakdown’ of our skin leaving stages that deteriorate quickly if our destructive behavior continues. (anyone tell I am a nurse?)
Needless to say when it comes time to pass around the love of Jesus, His mercy and compassion to others we may find that ‘ain’t none to be had’ for His sweet spirit has gone. Somewhere a steady leaking out occurred as your day went by.
Solution, a prayer each morning, “Lord, You know how human I am, so please touch me and heal me, as I seek forgiveness when life pokes at me. Keep my heart from leaking out Your grace, keep all in place—my soul one with You. And may the Holy Spirit be the one poking at me to remind me—that a hole has been detected, turn away from the danger and pray.”
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About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 52 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
