Human history is the story of a very patient and loving God struggling to win human hearts. Our part of this history is not so noble, for we often refuse to heed God's call, preferring instead the stubbornness of our own hearts and minds. We can't bring ourselves to relinquish control and allow God's ways to be our ways. Hosea uses the imagery of a lover, whose seduction of Israel is another attempt to win her heart and to gift her with divine love and wisdom. The sign that God had succeeded would be the advent of love, peace, and justice. Wonderful gifts! Paul again drives home the point: God is writing something on our hearts, granting us a relationship not based upon rules but on love and the spirit.

Finally, Jesus uses an earthy image, wine, to complete the picture. The new wine, which signifies the spirit, cannot really be contained in an old and weakened vessel. A new, strong, container is required. The relationship that God wants with us and the spirit that He wants to pour into us requires a new consciousness or awareness. We are challenged to think of God in new ways, as well as to see the world and other people through a different lens. Old ideas and opinions sometimes have to go. God wants our hearts and minds, and that means doing things God's way. And what is God's way? Love, Justice, Mercy, Compassion, Humility, Service, Sharing. Practice these, and not only will we live, but we will know God in this life.