Patchwork Spirituality

Gospel: Luke 5: 33-38

We go through so much of our life putting patches on things.  At rock bottom we feel that we are for the most part just fine the way we are and that we just need to patch a few holes here and there.  We are so attached to ourselves and our image of ourselves that we cling to what is old and try to keep it together with an array of patches.  We do this both as individuals and as communities of people.  

Eventually, however, we come to realize that there isn't much left of the old cloth, that we mostly have patches not united to anything.  But we would rather keep that than admit we need an entirely new garment - that we need a transformation of our whole selves into something new and vibrant.  Only when we accept this realization that we need an entirely new garment will we come to progress in the spiritual life - as individuals and communities.  

Consider: do we believe in the dignity of every human person? Yes, but in practice only for certain people.  Are we welcoming and care for all people? Yes, but only some of them.  Only when we are willing to be totally transformed and fully grafted into Christ will we be fully realized as disciples of the Lord, fully loving as he did.