Scripture: Luke 5:27–39
Key verses: (36-37) He also told them a parable: “No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.
Reflection: Jesus understood the enjoyment of food and gathering together in community. When Levi accepted the call to follow Jesus, we read about this great feast Jesus joined in Luke 5. Jesus was criticized for joining the festivities and for not adhering to the strict and rigorous laws of that day.
Jesus responded with the image of a new way of living, of new wineskins and a new joy expressed in being together in community. Jesus follower’s found enjoyment in being together and in breaking bread.
Breaking bread not only brings joy but it has an amazing power to heal. Early morning coffee visits on the front porch fortify friends for the day ahead and pandemic picnics have been breathing life into our families. Youth gather at the picnic tables thinking there is power in the food to comfort but finding it is really the laughter that lifts their lonely spirits. Lots of cookies have been made and delivered during these days with hopes that they are a gesture of love and support while we are separated. It is not the food that enables us to cope with these days, but the love with which it is offered.
There may be a new way of living that comes out of this virus time but we will not lose the joy of being together Jesus encourages. Thanks be to God!
Prayer: God of new life, with joy may we gather at tables today with joy and hope. Whether we are alone or at a full table, nourish our hearts and our minds so that we can go out continuing Christs ministry of love and peace. Amen.
Author: Michelle Thomas-Bush
[Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved].
Thanks Michelle for a great and timely message!! May we all accept the Love of Jesus and consumed by The Fruit of The Holy Spirit!! Peace of Christ be with you .
Galatians 5: 22-23.