Wine

Do you remember last week from the “Bread” post that yeast causes the bread to rise? Well guess what, yeast is also involved in the wine making process. Yes, you read that correctly yeast is involved in the wine making process it turns the sugar in the grapes into alcohol which in turn then eventually kills the yeast and stops the process.

Sometimes the process of winemaking can be explosive, it definitely is bubbly as the yeast works with the sugar. Because of the effervescence of the wine as it works we can think of this as a symbol of the Spirit at work, the one who brings joy, unity and friendship to all in perhaps a great explosion of creative energy. The alcohol in the wine keeps if from spoiling. This helped in time when there was not any refrigeration.

Wine can be one of the many good things of life and it can also be used for harmful things. Part of growing up is learning how to put things to good use and not use things in a way that can hurt yourself or others. In the book of Sirach it says this: “Wine drunk at the proper time and in moderation is rejoicing of heart and gladness of soul. Wine drunk to excess leads to bitterness of spirit, to quarrels and mumbling.” (31:28-29)

Do you remember how wine became part of our celebration of the Eucharist? Just as he did with the bread at the last supper Jesus shared the cup with his disciples and commanded them to do the same in memory of Him. Just as the bread becomes Jesus’ body at the consecration so the wine becomes his blood, which he poured out for all of us on the cross. Jesus may have had that verse from Sirach on his mind as he shared that cup wanting his disciples to rejoice in their hearts and share that joy and gladness with all.