Homily for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew's Gospel highlights the traditional view of Jesus, showing that He focused on converting His people. He came to save "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" rather than those outside His community. However, in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew shares Jesus' new vision, which refines and goes beyond the old law. Jesus often said, "You have heard the commandment... but now I say to you..." This shift, from focusing on Judaism to spreading the Church, is evident when Matthew writes, "Go... and make disciples of all nations." This sets Jesus' disciples apart from those of John the Baptist.

The term "new wineskins" refers to animal skins that are still flexible. When wine ferments, storing it in new skins allows the skins to stretch. Old, stiff skins, however, can break and lose both the wine and the skins. Similarly, sewing unshrunken cloth onto an old garment causes a bigger tear when the new cloth shrinks.

These images, rooted in a Jewish background, demonstrate that Jesus' preaching and healing mark a significant departure from the past. What started on the edges has moved to the center. He offers a new kind of joy, a new garment instead of one patched with old pieces, and new wineskins to contain the new wine of His life-giving Spirit.

Change often brings different reactions. We should focus on keeping our peace and being open to new circumstances, guided by Jesus' teachings. Divine providence provides a steady path toward the ultimate goal of eternal life in heaven, complemented by human experiences. We must strive to be worthy followers of Jesus, letting Him bring new ideas into our lives and embracing change, just as the early Church did.