We read today that God values heartfelt obedience more than mere external religious acts. While the Eucharist is a central sacrament and act of worship, participating in it without genuine obedience and repentance is an “empty religious practice.” Saul believed he could use the “stolen” livestock to offer a better sacrifice to God, but Samuel indicated that a “good heart” or purpose does not substitute for complete obedience. The only true and perfect sacrifice is Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which was the result of his complete and perfect obedience to the Father’s will (Philippians 2:8). The Eucharist is a participation in this one, perfect sacrifice, which is made present on the altar. In it, Christians are called to join their own surrendered will to Christ’s.
Today’s gospel connects to the Eucharist by portraying Jesus as the Bridegroom whose presence brings joy, replacing old fasting practices with a new way of life, much like the Eucharist provides new, transformative grace (new wine) that requires a new heart/mind (new wineskin) to contain, fulfilling the old through his enduring, joyful presence.
Jesus says, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” In the Eucharist, Jesus, the Bridegroom, is truly present, turning the Mass into a foretaste of the heavenly wedding feast, making solemn fasting inappropriate and replacing it with joyful communion. Jesus explains that new wine bursts old wineskins, symbolizing His new teaching/covenant can’t fit into old religious structures. The Eucharist is the “new wine” (Christ’s grace, life, blood) that transforms believers; we must become “new wineskins” (transformed hearts/minds) to receive and hold this divine life, not the rigid, fruitless traditions of the past.
Receiving the Eucharist isn’t just another ritual; it’s an encounter that changes us, making us new creations capable of containing and reflecting Christ’s new life, moving us from old ways of self-righteousness to a new life in him.
Let Us Pray:
Holy God, we thank You for Jesus, our Bridegroom, who brings joy and new life, not gloom. We confess our tendency to follow old ways, to perform spiritual acts for show, like the Pharisees, rather than seeking true intimacy with you. Amen.
