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.

In this miracle we read of Mary's request that Jesus retrieve a social situation. A wedding was one of the major social occasions in the Jewish culture, as in our culture. It was important for the social standing of those concerned that everything went well - and the supply of adequate refreshments was one of the aspects that could make or break an event. To run out of wine was a disaster that would be the lasting memory of the event and damage the prestige in the village. With this in mind Mary (whose relationship to the hosts is unstated) seeks to rescue the hosts from major social embarrassment. It was not a matter of life or death nor a matter of physical quality of life. Mary would have known of the lasting effects of such embarrassment in the community, and approached Jesus. So she approached Jesus and he acted, turning water into wine that caused the steward to remark of its great quality. About 120 gallons (over 500 litres) was a large quantity to produce near the end of the wedding feast.

Why would Jesus respond to Mary's request and turn so much water into wine?

It seems to me that there are two reasons.

• His mother asked him to intervene. Honour your father and your mother is one of the commandments, and out of respect and obedience Jesus responded to her request.
• Jesus is about life. Social occasions, meals and celebrations are important dimensions of life. We are meant to enjoy life, and the complete absence of wine would have marred the wedding, hurt the social standing of the hosts, and been a cause of shame to the newlyweds that would have remained with them.

When we seek to assist others perhaps we need to do more than just give them food or shelter to help them survive. Our commitment to others should be such that we want them to thrive and enjoy the life God has given them. It is certainly something to think about as we respond to the needs of those in our communities.


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