The Lectionary readings for today, the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, shared a theme- jars, goblets, cups. Saint James parishioners gather with our rector weekly to discuss the readings for the coming Sunday. During the recent study gathering, the readings gave me an idea for my blog while I travel this coming week. The following sentences are from the commentary that accompanied the readings.
The passage from John’s Gospel (2:1-11) speaks of huge stone jars holding water. Jesus makes use of them for his first miracle, turning water into wine for wedding guests. which teaches that our journey to the sacred comes through the ordinary.
Within everyday water, we can still glimpse the burgundy of grace.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 12:1-11) praises another kind of container for the ordinary. Us. We are vessels, and even though we look unpromising as vessels, and seem to be unlikely disciples. the spirit transforms us just as Jesus changed water to wine.
The Spirit blesses a wide variety of ministries, so that no two goblets will ever be identical.
Isaiah (62:1-5) says that God delights in us and with that affirmation we are encouraged to love the mystery we are, accepting the chips, the cracks and unfinished nature of our cup. Knowing that the cup of our life is held securely in God’s hands, enables us to endure the tension of filling and emptying that goes on throughout a lifetime.
At the end of the study, we were invited to consider this: Reminded by every cup I drink from today, how can I lift the cup of my life to God, to be refilled and transformed?
I’ve decided to be intentional about this invitation, while I am on retreat in northern New Mexico during this season of Epiphany. Sometime during each day, as I drink my coffee or my water, or my juice, or coffee again, I will consider how can I lift the cup of my life to God. As I write a blog post each day, I will include what I drank and what I considered. Join me as I sip and as I consider.
Traveling mercies.
Cometsgirl 