Ordinary Time
Slow, steady, deep inhale through the nose, hands on stomach to feel your belly rise.
Slower, steady, deep exhale through the mouth.
Repeat the breath and say FULLNESS as you breathe in.
Say PEACE as you breathe out.
Breathe in, FULLNESS. Breathe out, PEACE.
One more time, allowing your body to reflect your heart’s desire and mind’s focus to pause with the Holy One.
Nearby were six stone water jars used for the Jewish cleansing ritual, each able to hold about twenty or thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water,” and they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some from them and take it to the headwaiter,” and they did. The headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine. He didn’t know where it came from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.
John 2:6-9a
Everyone in today’s passage has a role and job. Everyone sticks to it and gets it done. It’s the kind of scene that values efficiency and mystery, somehow working together. An admirable work ethic and an abiding faith come together, for a miracle is at hand.
Life seems like that. Our focused efforts and diligence to an assignment matter. To cross our fingers and expect divine rescue every time we choose laziness over responsibility is, quite frankly, self-absorbed and immature. We can be better than that! With a prayerful spirit, we can step up and step in, doing our parts and following through with our responsibilities, even if that means finishing an assignment we wish weren’t assigned in the first place.
No matter the load we carry, may we be diligent and true to our word. May we do our parts, trusting that our efforts and work ethic matter. And may we live in gratitude for the ways the Holy One is always and forever true to the Word made flesh.
Aram Bae
Lord, I confess that there are times when I don’t want to do what I am called and committed to do.
Help me to live into my potential and purposes.
Bless me with your mercy and grace because I don’t deserve it but I sure do need it. Thank you for your steady presence.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
May God the Creator bless you and keep you safe today.
May Jesus the Christ smile upon you and be gracious towards you.
May the Spirit of Life lead you in the path of wisdom and peace.
And all of God’s people say: Amen!