A (Son of) Man walks into a bar ...

Today's readings:  Psalms 46 or 97; 147:1-11, Isaiah 52:3-6 Revelation 2:1-7, John 2:1-11

Christian spiritual practice is associated with many things: self-denial, martyrdom, and hair shirts -- to name a few. "Partying" never seems to make the list. Yet Jesus' first miracle (or sign), recounted in today's reading from John, took place at a big wedding party. The miracle was turning water into wine -- and not just any wine, but the good stuff (John 2:10).

Certainly we need to take our faith and spiritual practices seriously, but a truly spiritual life does not require us to say "no" to actually living. While accusations of our savior being a glutton and a drunkard (Matt 11:19, Luke 7:34) are overstated, might it be the tiniest bit arrogant to think we are called to live a more "wholesome" life than he?

It's easy to start thinking the point of fasting, prayer, or any other discipline is the practice itself -- to make an idol of it. We are not called to sacrifice just because God likes to make arbitrary demands of us. The end game of sacrifice is not to create a bunch of morosely pious Christians, but to help usher God's justice into the world so that all have what they need to be loved, loving, and whole.

In the parable of the prodigal son, a father welcomes home his repentant son with a feast (Luke 15:11-32). This story illustrates the difference between self-destructive indulgence, and celebrating in joyful faith. We need to recognize this difference and understand when it is time for restraint and when it is time for merriment.

Service and faithfulness do not have to mean a lack of cheer or even -- heaven forbid! -- fun. Seriously, folks...

Evening readings: Psalms 27; 93 or 114