Sacred Sips

Finding hope, solace, and maybe even a little joy within grieving and loss

What’s the worst thing that could happen at a good wedding party? It has to be running out of wine halfway through the night, right? 

Jesus’s first miracle happened at a wedding. At some point during the celebration, the hosts ran out of wine. And Jesus’ mom was not having it

She encouraged him to do something about it. After some initial resistance, he took his mom’s advice. There were six enormous stone jars typically used for ritual purification. Each of them held between twenty and thirty gallons. Jesus told the servers to fill the jars with water and then take a sample to the person in charge of making the night go smoothly.

Who, after tasting the water that had become wine, called the groom over in shock. Because at the moment when most hosts would be bringing out the cheaper stuff after impressing everyone, this one seemed to have flipped the script. 

This, Jesus’s first miracle, unfolds the good news that God saves the best for last. Jesus was revealing a kind of year of Jubilee where everything is restored and made right. Jesus came to reveal that God’s glory is about celebration. That it’s about radical generosity. That it’s about practicing extravagance.

We know there’s loss and pain in the now. There’s terrorism and disease and poverty and hate and death. There’s still brokenness and disappointment and loss and loneliness.

The wedding at Cana was a preview of all the goodness and restoration to come. And every time we enjoy a glass or two of wine, especially with people we love who love us, it’s a chance to remember that the heart of the universe is generous, extravagant Love. 

A step further:

  • Of course, good wine pairs well with good food. Check out our Comfort Food page for more nourishing stories.

  • Beverages of all kinds bring people together. For a deeper dive into the history and wines that date back to Biblical times, we recommend reaching out to Michelle Rossetti, a Spiritual Sommelier based in Fort Worth, TX. 

  • Book clubs might consider connecting with Michelle for wine tastings and historical tie-ins to the culture and curations of wines.

  • Additionally, you could request Michelle and Terra to visit your gatherings (in person or virtual). Please reach out to Terra and share your vision to collaborate and plan.

Note:

It’s important to acknowledge that grief and loss can trigger temptations to numb. Know what is safe for you and if you find yourself overindulging, consider taking a break from alcohol or finding a healthier normal and telling a friend you’re struggling. You could also reach out to your local AA meeting or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health for help.

Many of us need to better understand a loved one’s needs and journey. Therefore, in addition to sharing resources for them, it’s à propos to mention resources for supporters like Al-Anon and Alateen; mutual support groups for people who have been affected by a loved one's drinking or drug use.