God’s Providence in Brokenness and the New Wine of Grace

Gen 27:1-5.15-29; Psalm: 134; Mt 9:14-17

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ. Today, we will reflect on God’s providence in brokenness and the new wine of grace. We will explore how, even in our most challenging moments, God’s hand is at work, weaving a story of redemption and renewal. Let us first turn to the book of Genesis. In Genesis 27, we find the story of Isaac and his sons, Jacob and Esau. Isaac, old and blind, was deceived by Jacob, who disguised himself to receive his father’s blessing. This tragic moment is a vivid illustration of human sin and failure. Isaac’s blindness was not just physical but also a metaphor for the spiritual blindness that can cloud our judgment. In our families and relationships, we, too, may experience brokenness and conflict, often stemming from our own failures and flaws.

Yet, in the midst of this tragedy, we see God’s providence at work. Jacob’s deceit, though deeply flawed, was part of God’s sovereign plan to fulfill His promise to Abraham. God is not a distant observer of our failures. He is intimately involved in our lives, redeeming our brokenness and weaving it into His greater story. Even when we feel lost in our sin, God is still at work, preparing us for something greater.

Now let us move to the New Testament, to Matthew 9. Here we encounter Jesus, the bridegroom, who speaks of newness in the context of fasting. He tells us that no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins burst and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Instead, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. This radical newness of the Gospel challenges our notions of tradition and invites us into a transformative relationship with Christ. Jesus, the bridegroom, brings joy and renewal. He invites us to embrace the new wine of grace that He offers. It is a grace that transforms our brokenness into beauty. When we allow God’s grace to work in our lives, we become new creations, capable of holding the new wine of His love and mercy.

So, how do we apply this truth in our daily lives? First, we must learn to trust God’s sovereignty, especially in our family brokenness. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of our struggles. We may question God’s plan in our pain. But remember, God sees what we cannot. He is working in the unseen, bringing about a greater good through our trials.

Next, we must examine our own Isaac’s blindness. What areas in our lives are we blind to? What sins or patterns of behavior are we clinging to that hinder our relationship with God? Let us ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the truth and guide us toward repentance and healing.

Finally, we are called to become new wineskins for God’s grace. This means being open to change and willing to grow in our faith. We are invited to live in the joy of the bridegroom, to experience the fullness of Christ’s presence in our lives. When we embrace this new life, we can share the joy of Christ with others, leading them to the same grace that has transformed us. As we reflect on God’s providence in our brokenness and the new wine of grace, let us remember that our God is always at work. He is writing a story of redemption, even in our imperfections. Let us trust Him, embrace His grace, and live in the joy of His presence. Amen.

St. Augustine on Genesis 27: “Though Jacob’s act was sinful, God in His hidden justice turned it to good. He uses our errors to accomplish His righteous will” (City of God, XVI.37).

St. John Paul II on God’s Plan: “God, in His divine providence, can draw good even from the consequences of evil” (Memory and Identity, 8.3).

Pope Francis on New Wineskins: “Jesus brings newness that renews us from within… This demands openness, docility to the Holy Spirit, who surprises us” (Angelus, January 17, 2021).

St. Thérèse of Lisieux on Transformation: “Jesus does not demand great actions from us, but surrender and gratitude. He provides the ‘new wineskin’—a heart humble enough to receive His mercy” (Story of a Soul)