Emptying

Emptying

Read John 2:1-11
“Fill the jars with water.”
And they filled them up to the brim.
“Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” (v.7,8)

Meditation
This in-between space of living with covid is teaching us about the common good. We have glimpses of what that means in daily life. It is often perceived through the lens of our irritation and frustration with “them” who, unlike “us,” aren’t mindful of the common good.

The wedding at Cana is a public event. These seven-day feasts of community were supported by those who came to celebrate and brought wine.

The wine runs out.

Someone didn’t do their duty. Someone didn’t think of the other and took more than a fair share. Surely someone is to blame. Now it is a public shame. It’s a dis-grace.

Then there is wine, the best wine.

They fill jars with the ordinary and draw of richness. Jesus takes emptiness and makes enough.

This changes everything. This changes spiritual practice.

Reflect
Who defines the common good? Where are you usually standing when you determine what’s right or wrong, or what is beneficial for all?
What might a spiritual practice of getting out of our own way look like?
Ponder ways your spiritual practice can help ripen the possibilities and potentials of the in-between way.

Practice
The in-between way invites letting go. We let go ‘the way we always did things.’ We let go a security so we can trust deeply. We let go esteem so we can help. We let go control so we discover grace for all.

Create a gesture of letting go with your hands. Practice this until you have an ingrained sense of letting go. Bring this sensation into daily activities, during emotional reactions in intense experiences (as soon as we remember!) By letting go, emptying ourselves, we find enough and more to share. This changes everything. This changes spiritual practice.