The Good News Is So Good...It Catches Us By Surprise

Following up on the Good News that we heard on Ash Wednesday that All are Invited, this week we turn to two familiar texts: Jesus turning water to wine during the Wedding at Cana (John 2) and the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13). John’s Gospel doesn’t begin with a temptation story but instead opens Jesus’ ministry with a wedding miracle. It may feel a bit lavish to start the season of Lent with a wedding banquet, but the good news begins with joy. This week we focus on the subversive and playful nature of the good news. The kin-dom of heaven is so good it should catch us by surprise! Like a mustard seed, the good news can grow from the smallest seed into the tallest tree. Like an unruly weed, or fine wine saved for last, the good news is abundant and cannot be contained. As we sink into Jesus’ teachings throughout the season, we may not always be comfortable, but we can trust that these teachings are good, rooted in love, and worthy of celebration.