John 2:6-9a, 11 (NRSV)
Read John 2:6-9a, 11 on biblegateway.com
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 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Devotion
Turning water into wine at a wedding celebration in Cana is the first of Jesus' signs recorded in the Gospel of John. Just this once, water is trumped by wine. This feast is marked by an overturning of the past—the cleansing waters of purification are insufficient for the radical cleansing of God's reign. This feast is marked by abundance—the jars are numerous and huge. This feast is marked by surprise—the steward is stunned: "Everyone serves the good wine first. ... But you have kept the good wine until now" (John 2:10). This feast is marked by hospitality—the needs of the guests are met and surpassed. This feast is marked by revelation—Christ's glory is revealed.
Each Sunday we are invited to a feast that exceeds this wedding feast in Cana. We experience our own foretaste of God's kingdom feast as we share Christ's body and blood. The miracle wine, this sign of a new creation, is filled with a literal foretaste of heaven. What a sign. What a promise.
Prayer
God of signs and miracles, open our eyes and surprise us this day with your generosity and grace.
Amen.