And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” 36 And he also told them a parable. “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. 37 Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. 38 Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins. 39 [And] no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good.’”
In this passage, the Pharisees and some teachers of the law challenge Jesus because his disciples do not follow the familiar fasting practices (Isa 58:3-7). Jesus’ response shows how his teachings challenge the old ways of thinking and living. The Pharisees note, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink” (v. 33). They are expecting conformity to established religious routines and are offended by Jesus’ approach, which seems to disregard the traditions they hold sacred.
Jesus answers with an image his audience would immediately understand: “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days” (vv. 34-35). The “bridegroom” symbolizes Christ himself, bringing joy, new life, and a deeper way of relating to God. While he is present, his message calls for celebration and openness rather than rigid ritual. Fasting and other practices will have their place, but the timing and purpose must follow the life Christ brings, not merely imitate old patterns.
Jesus then illustrates his teaching with parables: “No one tears a piece from a new cloak to patch an old one. Otherwise, he will tear the new and the piece from it will not match the old cloak. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins” (vv. 36-38).
The metaphors are simple yet powerful. A new cloak cannot repair an old garment without being damaged, and new wine, still fermenting, must be stored in containers that can expand. The “old” represents rigid practices or legalistic routines, while the “new” symbolizes the life and teaching Jesus brings, which God intended from the beginning. His words emphasize that spiritual transformation cannot be forced into old habits—it requires openness, flexibility, and faith.
Jesus concludes, “No one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, ‘The old is good’” (v. 39). People naturally cling to familiar practices, even when God offers something greater. Many prefer routines that feel safe, predictable, or socially approved, because these require little risk or change. Yet God calls each of us beyond these patterns. This is not a rejection of tradition, but a reminder that Christ’s life-giving work cannot be contained by outdated structures or comfort zones. The heart must be renewed to fully receive the new life he offers. The “new” life Jesus brings is not arbitrary—it is part of God’s original plan for humanity, offering joy, new life, and a deeper way of relating to God.
In our daily lives, these verses encourage openness to the fresh life Christ provides—a life rooted in the truth he revealed to his disciples and faithfully handed down through the early Church. This new life is not merely external observance or ritual compliance; it is a living relationship with God, shaped by love, mercy, and the guidance of his Spirit. It transforms the heart, mind, and actions, enabling us to see and respond to God’s will more fully. Renewal is an ongoing feature of this life, as we are called to grow into a deeper and deeper relationship with Christ. True discipleship involves embracing this continuous renewal, growing in understanding, and allowing Christ’s grace to reshape our lives from within. Like new wine needing fresh wineskins, our faith flourishes most fully when our hearts are ready to receive it, trusting that God’s gift is designed for the ultimate fulfillment of each one of us.
Lord Jesus, help us to be open to the new life you bring. Free our hearts from clinging to what is old and rigid, and grant us the courage to embrace your transforming grace. May our hearts become fresh wineskins, ready to hold your joy, love, and truth. Amen.
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Sources and References:
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, ed. Orchard et al. (1953).
- The Navarre Bible: Luke, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. Chiu et al. (2018).
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