Monday, February 18, 2013

Morning Psalms: 41, 52 | Evening Psalm: 44
Deuteronomy 8:11-20 | Hebrews 2:11-18 | John 2:1-12

You are what you eat (and drink).

I’m one of those folks who eat my way around the edge of a sandwich, chowing down the crust before digging into the center, juicier part of the meal. It’s a habit established in childhood­—when, no doubt, the crust of the bread was something to be endured because it was “good for me” (but no where nearly so delicious as good old spongy, white Wonder Bread). Eating the crust first allowed me to extend enjoyment of the best part to the very end. “Save the best for last” somehow became a quiet mantra pulsing beneath many of my endeavors—ranging from distance running to performing musical theater.

Has this mantra informed your life journey? Do you organize your day planner to get the tough stuff out of the way first (are you, like me, at the gym or on the trails at 5 a.m. most days)? Have you been trained to pace yourself as you tackle the mounting agendas and demands of life in the instant communication age, saving something to serve as your reward at the end of the day? Do these disciplines inform the character of your spiritual walk?

Today’s gospel lesson places “the best” near the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Even though His “hour has not yet come,” Jesus does not hold back. He fully occupies this ministry opportunity, manifesting God’s glory as water becomes wine.

As we encounter and approach life’s daily opportunities for ministry, what do we hold back? Do we offer our very best first? Do we permit a variety of societal and professional conventions to seduce us into fearing success? Do we water down the good wine with a failure of confidence in the One who is ever faithful? Do we waste time and energy on the crust when the meat is just a few bites away?

Lord Jesus, You place before us a banquet of opportunities every day. Help us to eat and drink deeply of this banquet, so that we might become Your bread for the world and bear Your cup of salvation; in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Rev. Jeff Bunke (DMin Candidate)
Rector, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
West Chester, OH