Jenny’s letter 19th January
Dear Friends,
Have you seen the bulbs coming up all over the area? Just as the shoots of plants in spring herald renewal and growth, the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana from John 2 invites us to reflect on the transformative live-giving power of faith.
This moment in scripture marks the first of Jesus’s miracles where he turned water into wine at a joyous celebration. It is also an epiphany – an ‘A-ha’ moment – when Jesus first reveals his divine nature and, in doing so with lots of wine that is rich in quality, we are given a glimpse of God’s abundant grace.
This miracle reminds us that Christ’s presence can bring new life and hope to our everyday moments. His response to Mary’s trust, and the servants’ obedience, is a call for us to act in faith, even when outcomes seem uncertain.
This is not always easy. I am yet to find a Christian who has unwavering faith all day every day. Most of us have moments of doubt whether we are able to recognise them or not. Most of us struggle with our own human nature. Who has not wanted to ask the question why or felt the need to give God a few clues as to the right answer for our lives? And if you think that is not you, then have you ever experienced what T.S Eliot wrote about in his poem‘The Wasteland’? The poem explores those times when God seems far away, when our faith is less sure, when prayers appear to go unanswered, and when doubt creeps in.
When I was little I remember remonstrating about the boredom I experienced in Morning Prayer at Church each week. The same prayers in the same order every week. My mum said, “There will come a time in your life when you will be grateful for the fact those prayers have been repeated so often. When life is hard, they will be with you.”
She was right. Paul says in his letter to the Romans, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10.17). There will be times when faith is simply a habit, what we do rather than what we believe. However, it is that pattern of attending church, reading the Bible, saying our prayers, receiving holy Communion and so on that leads us back again to a deeper relationship with Christ.
I preach what I have learned to believe. However, it is often only in the preaching or in the coming together to share prayer or ministry with others that the spirit really grows and fourishes within me. This is why clergy and religious orders are expected to establish a regime of prayer and living. This ‘rule of life’ holds onto us, like scaffolding. It supports us when our faith is weak and our human nature struggles. And just in case you are wondering, I struggle to hold on to that pattern too!
In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul writes of his own weaknesses. He speaks of the thorn in his flesh that he has begged the Lord to take away but he tells the people of Corinth that the Lord replies, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12. 9).
Do not fear your failings. Do not worry about your human nature, your imperfections and vulnerabily. Not one of us will ever be worthy. Instead, know you are loved even when you struggle to feel it or believe it. This is a truth that we as Christians are invited to accept.
As we reflect on the miracle at the Wedding feast in Cana, may we be inspired to celebrate God’s blessings and seek His transformative power in our lives, especially as we observe the glimpses of Spring, the season of renewal and growth.
With love for you as we share this journey,
