Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days. John 2:2-12
Today, we spent time in our groups and plenary, discussing suffering and hospitality. Then we moved onto Ecumenical and Interfaith relationships. Our discussions, as we have gotten to know each other are getting deeper and more powerful. I am daily touched by how different we are as a communion, and how similar our hopes and challenges are. Many suffer for their faith, not something that most Americans have to deal with. Yet, we all want to work a true hospitality and opening our hearts to dialogue across cultures and difference. Although we don't expect miracles, we can work and pray for each other. Today, I experienced a small miracle here. I have been waiting days for a replacement mobility scooter. We finally were able to make the happen with the wonderful help of the Lambeth staff. Exhausted and overwhelmed, they still gave their all to help us. What a model of hospitality and care!
Gracious Creator, source of all goodness
we struggle and complain in our comfort
and fail to see the real human need around us.
Open our eyes to the plight of those suffering
help us to make a place for the outcasts
give us the hearts to share all that we have
knowing you will turn our small offerings of water
into wine that is life giving and life renewing.
Help us to be grateful in the smallest of gifts
so that your love might shine through us all. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment