Everything Changes

An older Jewish couple is seated together at the head of a long table, spread lavishly and lovingly. They are surrounded by family, friends and neighbors, and it seems as though several generations of children and childen's children are swirling about the room, in and out of the house, laughing and playing loudly. The scene is clearly one of abundant blessing, great joy and celebration.

"Do you remember our wedding?" The wife leans into her husband's shoulder and asks.
"What! I thought our anniversary was next week?"
"No, not our anniversary. Do you remember our wedding?"
"Our wedding?"
"Yes, our wedding."
"Oh. Well, yes, of course I remember our wedding. You were beautiful."
"I was beautiful?" She sits up and raises an eyebrow at him.
"You are beautiful." He takes his wife's hand and places a kiss on her cheek.
"And you," she smiles, "are a smart man."

There's a pause in their conversation. The husband gets up to see how the guests are doing. Second helpings are encouraged. "There's plenty for all." Dessert is waiting in the wings. Cups are filled. His wife smiles contentedly as he returns to her side.

"Do you remember Mary, all upset about the wine running out?" She asks.
"Yes." He laughs. "I really thought we would have had enough."
"But, we did. Didn't we?"
"More than enough!"
"You know, at first I didn't believe the servants' story."
"About what Jesus, Mary's son did?"
"About what Jesus, the Son of God did."

They are silent. There's a stillness to this old couple as they take in the festivities knowingly, joyfully and at peace.

"Do you remember the day he died?"
"The day they killed him." His voice is sad and bitter.
"No," she gently corrects. "The day he laid down his life to take it up again."
"What are you talking about?"
"Do you remember when they found the tomb empty?"
"Yes. Everyone was talking about it."
"It changes everything. Doesn't it."
"What does?"
"Love."

The husband stands and raises his cup high above his head. A hush falls over the room. Every cup is lifted.

"To love," he says.
"To love," we answer, celebrating the promise and tasting the wine.

Amen.