But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
~Isa. 53:5 NIV
There would be no sweet wine without crushing the grapes. The crushing action breaks the skins open, allowing the inner solids to be exposed. As the juice, pulp, and seeds mingle with the skins and stems of the grapes the fermentation process begins and produces sweet wine.
If Easter transformation (sweet wine) is to come alive in us, then we too have to be broken open, like the grapes. God meets us in the vulnerable, broken parts of our lives. God is our companion in the midst of suffering. Nouwen notes that suffering and death belong to the narrow road of Jesus. Jesus does not glorify them, or call them beautiful, good, or something to be desired. Jesus does not call for heroism or suicidal self-sacrifice. No, Jesus invites us to look at the reality of our existence and reveals this harsh reality as the way to new life. The core message of Jesus is that real joy and peace can never be reached while bypassing suffering and death, but only by going right through them."
When we face our life circumstances, "we discover that where we least expect it, something is hidden that holds a promise stronger than death itself. Jesus lived his life with the trust that God’s love is stronger than death and that death, therefore, does not have the last word. He invites us to face the painful reality of our existence with the same trust. This is what Lent is all about."
Song: Messiah, "He was despised and rejected" Melodie Ruvio
Reflection:
Reflect on the places where you are stuck, resistant, and broken. New life, healing and liberation can be born out of your frailties.
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit.
Come as Holy Fire and burn in us.
Come as Holy Wind and cleanse us within.
Come as Holy Light and lead us in our darkness.
Come as Holy Truth and dispel our ignorance.
Come as Holy Power and overcome our weakness.
Come as Holy Life and dwell in us.
Send us, abide with us, use us,
that God may be glorified
and our joy be made full. Amen.
This is a video without words. Be attentive to all the ordinary activities on this farm,
while picking, crushing, and pressing grapes into sweet syrup. What speaks to you
in the video? How does it speak to you as a symbol of Christ's life, death, and
resurrection?
Resources:
Leonard, R. (2015). What Are We Hoping For? Reflections on Lent & Easter. New York:
Paulist Press.
Nouwen, H. (March 27, 2023) Daily Meditation God's Love is Stronger Than Death.
Hymnal, A Worship Book #762
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