New Wine

There is a remarkable photograph that was taken at our church. It was captured with a cell phone, not a high-tech camera, and it was taken in a closet where the ushers keep various church supplies. Not a very auspicious start for a picture that is an inspiration. This photo shows a communion chalice sitting on a pile of plates and above the cup is a reflection of light in the shape of a heart.

Nobody planned this shot. It just occurred. In fact, if someone wanted to intentionally arrange a photo like this, it might be difficult to do. How would you set up a light source to make such a reflection? It almost appears as though the light was rising up out of the cup itself.

What a multi-faceted symbol can be seen here! It is a symbol for Christ, his life, his death, his teachings, and a metaphor for his church. Love, in the form of light, emanating from the vessel holding his blood. His life poured out as new wine, bringing a new covenant – a new heart for God’s people. The old covenant was based on laws and regulations, but Jesus gave his life for the covenant based on love and for us to re-transmit that love to all. He is the source of the light reflected in our hearts and actions in the world. As we drink of the new wine, we take his life to be a part of our lives, and we pray to be a mirror of that light we receive.

Light is such a wonderfully strange substance. We can see it and feel its warmth, but we can’t grasp it. It dispels darkness and makes all colors more vibrant, but in fact its essence is made of all colors. We can hardly imagine life without it. It is the sparkle of ripples in a fountain and it is the glitter of distant stars. It is the fire of the Holy Spirit. If God himself were going to send us a message he might send it in the form of light. Or perhaps as one of us. Or both.

Diane Kay