John: A Gospel for Tumultuous Times 4

John 2:1-12

Rabbit or Duck?

I have always liked this story that reminds us that even Jesus had to deal with his mother.  Even Jesus had to learn from, be pushed by his mother.  His first reaction to the news that the wine was running low was, “What concern is that to you and me?”  “Not my problem.”  It may not have been Jesus’ problem, but Jesus’ mother knew that he could fix it.  What look did she give to Jesus as she said to others, “Do whatever he tells you.”? 

It struck me that Jesus’ solution to the problem might be helpful for us as we face our climate change crisis.  Jesus told them to use fill the jars used for purification rights with water.  He didn’t just turn water into wine, he turned bath water into wine, or ritual water into wine.  He took an ordinary, or a holy, resource and put it to a completely different use.  Surely this is a time that requires such creativity. 

What ordinary things can we “repurpose” and use in extraordinary ways to solve our problems?  How can we encourage creativity and innovation?  Can we inspire a “let’s try it” attitude to replace the “probably won’t work” attitude that so often blocks our progress?  Most people still think that getting rid of fossil fuels is impossible.  Renewables can’t possibly replace them all.  Others think it is surely worth trying.  Where are you at in this conversation? What ‘ritual’ resources do we have in the church that could be put to a different use to bring joy and celebration into our midst?