I never cease to be amazed by the natural process in which water, without ceasing to be what it is, acquires a higher level of refinement and complexity, having synthesized many other elements like the soil, sunlight, the moon…A miracle has occurred: water has turned into wine.
Drinking wine doesn't make me more spiritual. Not drinking it does not make me more spiritual, either.
I believe that the new wine is not monopolized by any one country, ethnic group, religion or philosophy. The new wine is the tendency, the impulse that propels us towards the adventure of transformation which the human soul experiences in its elevation towards perfection. It is a painful process, as the arms of our minds and hearts have to be stretched – just like what happens with the grapevine – until we grow wings to soar above selfishness and instinctive fear, leaving behind our intoxicating narcissism.
We can choose to enjoy what nature offers us with a hedonistic and superficial attitude, and get lost in the pleasure of the senses and social glamour. Or we can choose to sharpen the palate of our souls in order to enjoy the new taste that the Spirit has set aside in reserve for those who thirst.
Denise Ingrid Brickel
