Second Sunday of Epiphany
Lord Jesus Christ,
You see how anxious we are –
Caught in the web of social expectations.
You hear how we pray our worry and need –
Telling you what we need you to do.
Lead us into the freedom of your gracious rule,
And help us trust you and your desires
Direct our attention to your ways;
Help us to welcome you as you are,
Rather than how we want you to be.
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Early in this season of Epiphany we are invited to join Jesus, his mother Mary, and some disciples at a wedding in Cana, some twenty miles west of the Sea of Galilee, and about 30 miles south west of Capernaum on the north edge of the sea. John’s gospel draws us into the narrative just as the wine being served at the wedding feast had run out. This would definitely be an embarrassment for the host family. According to some sources Mary is believed to be the aunt of the bridegroom. As a relative she is concerned and embarrassed, and thus she turns to Jesus and says, “They have no wine,” It could seem that Mary is simply observing the shortage, but Jesus’ reply indicates that Mary’s comment carries an expectation within it – that he is somehow responsible to do something about the problem. From Jesus’ reply we discover an indication that Jesus does not follow the lead of people, but rather waits to hear God’s guidance for the matter at hand. (John 5:30)
We are thus drawn into a larger, unseen dimension-beyond the wedding at Cana–but not separate from our cultural festivals and practices. Rather, it is precisely within our daily living that Jesus is now present. But rather than being captive to our anxiety when social expectations are challenged through lack of enough wine for the wedding feast, he is listening for God’s guidance. Only when Abba speaks is it time for Jesus to act, not before.
A delightful change of scene now occurs. Mary tells the servants to do what Jesus tells them: a signal that Jesus is free to choose his response to what is before him. Although we are not told explicitly, we are led to believe from Jesus’ later clarification of the basis for his moving into action (see John 5:30) that within his soul he has received a prompting from Abba . As we listen he tells the servants to fill the stone jars with water, water which would usually be used for ritual washing-part of the Jewish tradition which assured them of purity before God. But the water is not used for washing. Instead it becomes wine – the best wine! The man hosting the feast compliments the bridegroom for serving the best wine last.
Within this rescue-from-social-embarrassment-miracle we discover a deeper and wider meaning. Jesus is attending to the faith of his followers. When these early disciples see how Jesus moves into action and how the water is transformed into wine, they realize that he is no ordinary man. Jesus;’ glory is revealed: his God-identity shows itself, and they believe in him.
John’s gospel narrative leads its listeners and readers into seeing seven such signs, signs of Jesus revealing God’s glory; signs which draw Jesus’ followers to faith
Dear Lord,
Help us to listen as we kneel
And to be attentive to your guidance
Help us to return another way -
The way of your love and presence among us
In Jesus.
Second Sunday after Epiphany
- 1/11 Monday: John 2:1-5
- 1/12 Tuesday: John 2:6-11
- 1/13 Wednesday: Psalm36:5-10
- 1/14 Thursday: Isaiah 62:1-5
- 1/15 Friday: 1Corinthians 12:1-11
- 1/16 Saturday: John 2:1-5
- 1/17 Sunday: John 2:6-11
Silent Reflection:
Offer the prayer of your heart.