John 2:1-11 (NRSV)
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Chapter 2On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Verse 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. Verse 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." Verse 4And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." Verse 5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Verse 6Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Verse 7Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. Verse 8He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. Verse 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom Verse 10and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Verse 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Devotion
There are Epiphany signs throughout the Gospels, occasions where Jesus showed his disciples who he was. No doubt, events in our lives, too, are revelations of who our Lord is among us. As we sit down at the table and pray: “Come, Lord Jesus,” we have invited him to be present just as the family did in Cana. That first sign foretold many more to come and that continue today.
It is proper that weddings today be held in church. But our secular society wants to exclude Jesus from as many events as possible. How, then, can he show his glory? Excluding the Giver from any of life’s significant events is a colossal mistake. Including our Lord as guest turns what may have been mundane affair into a Cana wedding extravaganza.
Prayer
Lord, do signs and miracles among us, too. Amen.