Did you know grapes are a miracle? When we focus on the grape as it fully is, we can see its wonder. It begins with a vine, the stem and leaves twisting and turning as they climb and fall. The vine is rooted in the soil drawing water and nutrients to sustain its life. Vines can live upwards of 100 years, weaving their goodness into the stories of the community around them. They need other crops, and insects to replenish the soil and ensure that the vines will have what they need throughout their lives. Eco-systems are communities supporting one another for years, decades, centuries, and even millennia.
When they are ready, vines produce flowers, tiny clusters that hold within them the miracle of the grape. They depend upon the sun and rain to feed the grapes as they grow and mature. Together the miracle evolves and produces clusters of juicy fruit that can be picked and enjoyed.
Look at the grape in your hand. Can you see its story? Can you imagine how this one grape came to be? Can you appreciate the gifts that created the possibility that became this single grape? How does knowing its story, its connection to the gifts of creation influence what you are seeing and holding and smelling in this moment? Now taste it. Can you appreciate the miracle this grape is by connecting to its story?
What is our relationship to grapes? How often do we take time to reflect on the miracle that is grapes? How often are we more focused on finding the best bunch of grapes to buy at the store? To what extent do we care more about what we get from grapes – food, juice, wine? What matters more to us: the story of the grape or the advantages we get from grapes?
Jesus said: …the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.
Notice the king doesn’t seem to care about the story of the slave. The king doesn’t care about the challenges and blessings the slave may face. The king’s focus is on getting what he feels he is owed from the slave. The same pattern plays out when the slave encounters someone who owes him. These relationships are transactions – one takes from another without reflection or concern.
This is what happens when we put money ahead of people and creation. We get focused on the transaction – what we can take for our own benefit without considering the extent to which the person or that piece of creation is a miracle. Transactions obscure stories. We lose those meaningful connections that can impact our view of the person or the grape.
The Kingdom of Heaven challenges us to look differently. As the king reconsidered the expectations he had placed on the slave when given a glimpse of his story, we too are invited to look with compassion on each other and the world. We don’t necessarily know what has contributed to a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual context. We don’t necessarily know when someone is sleep deprived, struggling to focus, grieving a loved one, or feeling disconnected from their faith. We do have a lot of stories in the Gospels where Jesus meets people where they are at and leads with compassion. We are called to do the same, with each other and with creation. It can begin by recognising miracles around us.
Have you seen a bumblebee fly? How do those little wings keep that plump body in the air? When you stop by a farmer’s stand, can you appreciate all that it takes to produce the produce? Have you ever considered how it came to be that someone realised combining flour and sugar and eggs and other ingredients would lead to cookies?
Have you looked in the mirror and appreciated all the ways your life has contributed to who you are right now? To what extent have you considered the same can be said about every other person?
The Kingdom of Heaven calls us to lead with compassion. To let go of the need to focus on transactions and what we can gain from one another and creation, and instead appreciate the miracles that surround us. The stories are plentiful. The possibilities incredible. Can we see it in grapes? Can we see it in ourselves? Can we see it in others?
As we seek the ordinary miracles God offers each day, may we truly appreciate God’s gifts of Creation. This we pray as we sing: 259 For the Fruit of All Creation.
