Old Wine

"No one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, 'The old is good.'" Lk 5:39

Wine drinkers often suggest that wine which has had time to age and then breathe once it is opened, is better. Using this image, Jesus affirms the truth and integrity of the Covenant God made with Abraham, but also challenges those who have lived it for generations not to oppose growth and development. His is new wine and while he will not compare it to the old, or suggest that it is better, he will offer it to the world as a fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham. Though new, the Covenant that Jesus makes with his followers is good, powerful and transforming in its own right, but there is no need to reject the old. Rather, Jesus challenges all to sip both old and new wine and see whether they complement and fulfill one another.

The challenge of Jesus remains with us today, and ought to inform our conversations with other religious traditions, but especially with the Jewish people. There is always a risk, especially when we allow ourselves to argue without listening, that we will fail to hear the truth others have and want us to know. Unfortunately, this is especially true of the church's relationship with Jews. History reminds us that Christians have called Jews "perfidious" even in our most solemn prayers and demeaned Jews by labeling them Christ killers.

Though Vatican Council II and Blessed John Paul II were especially strong in addressing this sin, a prejudice against Jews often remains stuck in Christian hearts. (Nostra Aetate) Listening to Jesus today reminds us not to reject Jews but to enter into a loving and respectful dialogue with them. Neither religion should be afraid of the other. Both old and new wine are good!

Today, pray to be free of deeply ingrained prejudice.

Have you had an experience of inter religious dialogue that led you to new understanding and transformation?