“No one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’” (Luke 5:39) On New Years Eve, everyone celebrates by saying, “

 

“No one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’” (Luke 5:39)

On New Years Eve, everyone celebrates by saying, “Out with the old, in with the new.” Yet just because something is “new” doesn’t make it better. Some of the most reliable things in life were forged and made long ago.

One of the oddest things that’s happened to Christian worship in most Protestant Churches, is the concept that worship must always be “new and changing;” something that keeps up with and reflects the times. Sadly, this mind-set began only about 75 years ago in which they switched from a solemn, ordered, reverent service of thanksgiving, to the more modern me-centered, come-as-you-are, let-us-entertain-you type service.

Although varied groups broke away from Roman Catholicism (Anglicans, Lutherans, Protestants, Presbyterians, Methodists, etc.), they still, up through the 1940’s, maintained a very well-regimented and ordered service that reflected their Roman Catholic liturgical roots. 

Thus, the Christ’s comment likening ancient, time-tested worship practices to well-aged wine is apt, and anyone who appreciates fine wine immediately comprehends the difference. For even when our Lord changed water into wine, the wine was not “new wine,” but a fine, aged varietal that impressed all who drank it.

Fr. John