1.21 blog

As I mentioned in a previous post, in a quest for greater catholicity and churchly formation, I’m using the Book of Common Prayer’s Daily Office Lectionary to guide my personal reading of Scripture.

The readings for today (Epiphany) were Psalms 46; 97 (morning); 96; 100 (evening); Isaiah 52.7-10; Revelation 21.22-27; and Matthew 12.14-21. One of the themes running throughout these passages is God’s salvation extending to the ends of the earth, blessing all nations, and his dwelling in their midst as their God.

It struck me that the greatest blessing God offers us is himself, and that throughout eternity we will celebrate and enjoy his presence with us. This is where those who belong to Jesus are heading. One of the purposes of this earthly life is to develop our palate so that when we see God face to face in the new heavens and the new earth, we will be equipped to enjoy him as we ought.

Pepsi is straightforward, uncomplex, and easily accessible. Anyone can drink Pepsi. Anyone can enjoy Pepsi. It doesn’t take any skill because there’s nothing to it (other than the potential for diabetes and cavities, but that’s another conversation). Wine, on the other hand, takes some getting used to. It’s an aquired taste, requiring time, effort, and discernment. The first time someone drinks Pepsi, it’s the same as everytime. Everyone tastes the same thing right away. But the first sip of wine may seem sour or bitter. Experienced connoisseurs, though will detect a panoply of aromas, tastes, and sensations (black currant, tobacco, leather, cherry, tree fruits, smoke, etc. etc.). Wine is a delightfully complex drink. The process of going from “bitter” to “delight” is called building your palate.

Anyone with a developed palate will tell you that wine is better than Pepsi (it’s better for you too…just saying). There’s always something more to discover, greater depths to enjoy, further intricacies to experience. It’s like that with God too. He’s not Pepsi. He takes some getting used to. This is why so many of us have trouble with prayer, or reading Scripture, or finding church interesting/relevant. We have no palate for it yet.

The world offers us a lot of Pepsi. And there’s even a place for Pepsi. I drink it occassionally. But God is a well cellared bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. You won’t appreciate the Cab without the proper palate. You won’t develop said palate without practice.

So drink up me hardies!

Posted by: Gene Schlesinger