Year C January 17 John 2:1-11

2nd Sunday after the Epiphany

John 2:1-11

Context:

The third day. An interesting sequence appears in John 1. The next day begins three short incidents (1:29.35.43) and then we have the wedding on the "third day". Explanations include attempts to link this expression with the resurrection, but it is the third day after Jesus baptism (1:29-34).
Already Jesus has gathered a group of disciples around him. Two of them had been John's disciples (v.35)- including Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter.
This group is invited to a wedding in Cana and in this context (the only actual wedding that is recorded in the gospels) Jesus first public "miracle" is performed. This public miracle was recognised by only a few people who were 'in the know', the majority of the guests continued to enjoy the fine wine that resulted.


Comment:
It seems quite remarkable that the first miracle (sign in John's gospel) recorded in John's Gospel should be the turning of water into wine. It is not a comfortable miracle for consideration by a temperance movement - but cannot be ignored.

(This is a work in process..further comment or information will be added during the week)



Other readings:
Isaiah 62:1-5;
Ps 36:5-10;
1 Cor 12:1-11