![]() ![]() “Woman, where are they? Does no one condemn you?” Jesus asks her. Jesus says to them, “Anyone who’s never had a lustful thought, go ahead, take her out of here.” One by one they drop some cash on the table for their drinks and retreat quietly, leaving the woman there. They’re shouting at Jesus to throw her out of the bar. A young woman has just been harassed by a group of patrons who learned that she cheated on her boyfriend. Perhaps a modern-day version of the story could take place in “The Prophet’s Den,” Jesus’ hip, new, yet old-timey pub. The story’s a beautiful example of Jesus the Bartender showing compassion, not condemning, but giving some words of advice. But the religious leaders and the crowd left after Jesus challenged the one who is without sin to throw the first stone. In the Gospel of John, Jesus encounters a woman about to be stoned for the sin of adultery. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NRSV) He’ll order something right up for you: a listening ear, a comforting word, and a break from your hardship, even if that’s just a few minutes time spent with him. Maybe bartenders in the real world aren’t like this, but I imagine Jesus the Bartender to be this way. He’s the one who’ll listen to you and won’t outright judge he’ll just listen. I think of the bartender in an old movie as a kind of confessor. RELATED: 5 Steps for Praying When You’re Overwhelmed The Bartender Isn’t it interesting that the wine at Mass actually becomes Jesus, God’s self? We get our own glimpse today, thousands of years later. Centuries ago the wine in Cana gave the disciples and wedding party a glimpse of God. The scriptures continue in John 2:11 to say, “This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory.” And his glory was a revelation of God the Father. He loved them so he brought out the good stuff to bring them together. Jesus wasn’t about keeping the wine away from the people. He continues to say that we must show reverence for these gifts but if we abuse them we “hinder our growth as loving persons.” See, ideally we go to a bar or come around the table at church to be with other people, not to get away. “All things in this world are also created because of God’s love and they become a context of gifts, presented to us so that we can know God more easily and make a return of love more readily.” (Spiritual Exercises, Draw Me Into Your Friendship, a contemporary reading by David Fleming, SJ) Saint Ignatius acknowledged that all things have been created for us by God so we can love God: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NRSV) ![]() When cherished for these properties - and not abused - something sacred occurs. Drink brings people together in many contexts (family, co-workers, friends, lovers). They share a drink to celebrate friendship or love for one another. People raise their glasses to toast to good health or camaraderie. Consider the last special event you went to, perhaps a birthday or a holiday or another celebration. Alcohol can also tear people apart and destroy lives if we let it, but Jesus acknowledged the importance of the wine at the wedding reception. RELATED: Who Gave Jesus His Halo? The DrinksĪlcohol is a part of umpteen cultures and binds people together in special ways. Jesus isn’t bringing out the cheap stuff - he’s saved the best for last. (John 2:3-10, adapted from The Message translation)ĭid you hear that? The best stuff. Host: (Takes a sip) Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host. Jesus: (To the servants) Fill the pots with water. Mary: (She goes over to the servants) Whatever he tells you, do it. Jesus: Is that any of our business, Mother - yours or mine? This isn’t my time. Have you forgotten the wedding at Cana? Jesus made the drinks! It was his first miracle. ![]() Not a bad travel companion, I say.īut my favorite image of God is Jesus the Bartender. It’s kind of nice to think of him keeping me company as I explore new places and encounter new situations. I’ve also considered Jesus the Traveller when I’m on the road or the rails, imagining Jesus by my side as I travel from place to place. I’ve thought of God the Artist when I see the beauty around me or a sky painted with the setting sun. I’ve imagined God as a parent or a friend. ![]()
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