When Two or Three Are Gathered

What is your favorite story about Jesus and why?
What is our understanding of who Jesus was/is and why is he important?

These are a couple of the questions that we wrestled with on Sunday evening at the New Christianity class.  I am enjoying our lively conversations and have been thinking since Sunday how appropriate it was that of all the topics we are exploring in this class, Jesus was the focus as we began Holy Week.

However, not one of us mentioned the crucifixion or resurrection as his or her "favorite" story.  For some Christians, the events that we remember during Holy Week comprise the only story of Jesus that is important.  I am so glad that I am a part of a community that sees the events of Holy Week as a part of a larger narrative that continually challenges us to to live fully, love generously, and boldly strive to bring heaven to earth.

Someone in the class shared that their favorite story was the Feeding of the 5000 so I shared a close runner up for me: Jesus meeting the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).  Every time two or more are gathered together, God is with us.  I am certainly experiencing that on Sunday evenings as we break bread and talk with one another.

Telling Stories

I always think it is a good problem when we have to add tables and chairs, which was what we did last night as more than 70 people arrived for the Seder meal at Rock Spring.  Although "meal" doesn't quite capture it.  This was a feast!  Here was the menu:

Mazto Ball Soup
Leg of Lamb
Beef Brisket
Roast Chicken
Noodle Kugel
Tsimis
Green Salad
Brownies with Banana Ice Cream
Pareve Lemon Bars
Pound Cake

Mouths were watering as each dish arrived and was set on the table.  The anticipation set in as we began to experience the Seder, a Jewish ritual that typically takes place in homes.   We each received a copy of the Haggadah, which contains the Seder service and involves (in part) children asking questions of their elders about the history from slavery to freedom.  The evening is marked with many fun traditions, climaxing with the great hunt for the hidden matzah!

The stories we tell, and the rituals that become important to us, say much about who we are and who we strive to become.  What are the great stories you want to bring to life for your family and the people you love? 

As I left last night I thought about all of the effort that went into these wonderful dishes and the care that must take place in every step of the Seder to capture our imagination with these wonderful rituals.  Yet, it is just this care and effort and creativity that helps children (and adults) remember stories well and yearn to retell them.

Many thanks to Hank, Christian Ed and YoRS for setting a wonderful table for us last night.