Rev. Ryan's Weekly Reflection

We continue in the 42-day season of Epiphany and it was another great day as we gathered in the "house of the Lord" this past Sunday (Jan. 18).

We re-heard that familiar story of Jesus turning the water into wine. I reminded us to ponder the reality that Jesus was only 30 years old when he performed his first miracle, quite a youngster when you think of it in the big picture of our life journeys (funny note to ponder: what were you doing with your life when you were 30?) It was also fun to think about Jesus' relationship with his mother. . . I feel like it was thoughtful and endearing . . . and in the gospel of John, it's Jesus' mother who jumpstarts his public ministry! Wow!

And the closing reflection and questions I encouraged us to press into this week, is related to the attached poem/prayer from Jan Richardson.

Richardson invites us to keep ourselves open to "surprising gifts". . . she describes them as the “sharp, sweet wine that God is conniving to bring.”

She also invites us to pay attention to:

i) the wonders at hand (the beauty and graces of the present moment)

ii) be a part of the miracles yet to come (what might it look like for us to participate in or facilitate a miracle of goodness and generosity in the world this week?)

iii) the unexpected delights we might encounter along the way (resonates with Psalm 37 -- "delight yourself in the Lord and God will give you the desires of your heart).

May the God of Epiphany continue to reveal, encourage and delight this week!