Epiphany 2: Blessing the Water, the Wine


Image: Water into Wine © Jan L. Richardson

Reading from the Gospels, Epiphany 2, Year C: John 2.1-11

Blessing the Water, the Wine

You thought
you had learned
to live with the empty,
the hollow.

You could place your ear
against the rim
of the vessel
of your life
and hear its ringing echo
with equanimity,
not expecting
any more
not even bothered
(almost)
to be a bystander
at the feast—
if not delighting
in the celebration
at least not
despairing in it.

When the water
rushed into the emptiness
you were surprised
that you were surprised,
that you could even feel
the sudden wellspring
when you thought
all had been poured out.

And then suddenly
the sweetness
that stuns you
that tells you
this was not all,
this was not the end

that this blessing
was saving the best
for last.

P.S. For an earlier reflection on this text, click the image or title below:


Epiphany 2: Marriage and Miracles

See also my “Wedding at Cana” image, which first appeared in the Christian Century magazine:

[To use the image “Water into Wine,” please visit this page at janrichardsonimages.com. Your use of janrichardsonimages.com helps make the ministry of The Painted Prayerbook possible. Thank you!]

 

10 Responses to “Epiphany 2: Blessing the Water, the Wine”

  1. Sue Albright Says:

    Ah, what a fabulous blessing!

  2. Maureen Says:

    So lovely, Jan!

  3. Kellyann Says:

    Once again, a timely blessing. Thank you.

  4. Vicki Kemper Says:

    Beautiful and powerful, Jan. I needed that. Thank you!

  5. Carolyn Says:

    Stunningly beautiful words and image, Jan; lovely to carry along this week and year! Bless you.

  6. Karen Says:

    What a blessing your work is for me! Your poetry filled my heart and soul.

  7. Peggy Ogden-Howe Says:

    The words lifted my awareness to light and light. Blessings, Jan, on tasting new wine.

  8. Nelda Says:

    This is the first poem of Jan’s that I have read and it made me weep. Powerful and beautiful!!

  9. Jan Richardson Says:

    Thanks so very much, friends! I am grateful. You are a blessing!

  10. Carol Green Says:

    The beginning of this blessing resonates with so many of my recent feelings, sick, draggy, and on oxygen since last May. Then you remind me of my baptism and long, prayerful walks where the water meets the sand along the beach. The end lengthens the path for me and gives the gift of hope.

    This has, indeed, been a blessing for me.

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