Retelling the Wonder of Jesus - January 14
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 16, 17; PM Psalm 22; Gen. 6:1-8; Heb. 3:12-19; John 2:1-12
There is an organization I learned of during seminary called Invite Welcome Connect. The warm and engaging Mary Parmer began this ministry within the Episcopal Church, equipping parishes and their parishioners to “cultivate intentional practices of evangelism, hospitality, and belonging”.
As I think about what this looks like, I believe that it is so important for faith communities to look at how they tell the story of Jesus through the eyes of their church. After that bellybutton gazing of the “how”, we then get challenged to take that message out to others, re-telling stories of when and where God has moved them, inviting others to join and share their own stories of wonder in the love of Jesus. Mutual sharing and meaningful connection in Christ. That is the Good News.
My kids have taught me a good bit about the wonder of stories. Separately, they each have told me the story of Jesus at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. It warms my heart to hear the energy that a 10 year old and 6 year old bring into this ancient story, and I am fascinated by the details they cling to. In this present moment, I also yearn to roll back the tapes of time and re-listen to their experiences in this story of surprise – where Jesus takes vats of water and changes them to wine – good, rich wine. Perhaps there is a young person in your life who has taught you a story of Jesus’ ministry, and in listening, you felt the heartening connection of God’s love.
Perhaps as we share stories of the Good News, we share giggles. My latest favorite is a meme relating the wonder of the wedding in Cana.
Jesus is reflecting on his ministry and is telling his friends about a recent experience and says, “You know, the wedding in Cana was a very emotional experience.”
One of the members of Jesus’ captive audience says, “Really?”
Jesus responds, “Yes, even the cake was in tiers.”
Silence.
Jesus emphasizes, “The cake was in tiers, Peter.”
An exasperated Peter says, “Stop talking to me, Jesus.”
The above depiction is not the same version of the story we read in John 2:1-12. It is silly news – and falls fully into the bucket of Dad Jokes, that are all the rage in my house these days. These kinds of puns have a surprise to make sure we are paying attention. They may not be deep, and sometimes they are a little cheap or cheesy, but they serve a purpose in bringing the audience to awareness, breaking the bonds of tension or distraction.
In sharing the wonderous stories of Jesus’ life and ministry, there are always surprises. Who knew that Jesus would go to a wedding and be called to summon unknown powers to fix someone else’s problem of running out of wine too early? When his mom told him to help out, Jesus had the servants empty and re-fill the six stone water jars normally used for handwashing. When the chief steward took a taste, it was a different sensation than expected. The punchline was different. There was no groaning. It was good wine. Really good wine.
Jesus did this, we are told by John, revealing his glory. Revealing a glimpse of his true self – mystical and surprising. And in that action, that revelation, the disciples of Jesus believed in him.
John tells this story one way. My kids tell it their ways. A silly meme frames Jesus giving his own perspective. How do you tell stories of the wonder of Jesus? Keep sharing those stories, as they serve as connection points. The Good News of Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again, keeps us tethered to hope and full hearts. The Good News of Jesus keeps inviting us, welcoming us, connecting us. We are called to pass it on.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
When have you retold a story differently than someone else who was there at the same time?
What stories of the Bible do you love to retell? Which ones did you love to hear told to you?
Daily Challenge
Read more about Invite Welcome Connect. Invite someone to come to church. Or, if there is someone at church who is unknown to you, introduce yourself. If you are not connected yet with a ministry or group at Saint Stephen's, contact Amy Passey or the clergy -- we will help you find a meaningful point of connection!