John 2:1-11
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to me and to you? [Alternate: What do you have to do with me, woman?] My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the person in charge of the banquet.” So they took it. When the person in charge tasted the water that had become wine and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), that person called the bridegroom and 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.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.” John 2:1-11 (NRSVUE)
Mark and John’s Gospels are “more and less” like each other. For instance Mark’s Gospel starts with the breath (spirit) of God entering Jesus at his baptism and Jesus hears the Word of God proclaiming him for God’s purpose. And then at the end of Mark’s Gospel Jesus gives up his breath (spirit) upon the cross and the most unlikely person, a centurion, proclaims Jesus as God’s. Compared to John’s Gospel who suggests purification jars to connect the story to God’s Temple. And then the Romans pierce Jesus’s side by a sword and what comes out is water and blood. (People remembered the Temple sacrifices when channels of water and blood would drain from the active temple.) The connection to the Temple is where God’s presence, promise, protection, and favor comes. But at the writing of John’s Gospel the Temple lies in ruins and Jesus dies by the Romans. So now what?
“More and less,” John’s Gospel says nothing changes, God is still God. The fear of death (water) changes into new life (wine). And the water and blood out of Jesus’ side means, despite the Temple’s demise, God still is present and favors God’s people. You can still trust God.
Lives change every day with age, war, accidents, untimely death, illnesses, bankruptcy, you name it. We may wonder if God is less than present. And yet through the experience of Jesus we find a God who has the power to bring something new to life. We are not forgotten, forsaken, or punished. Instead a simple trust in God’s presence, favor, and power changes our hurts into joy and thanksgiving.
Questions for Reflection:
- When did you wonder about God and why bad things are happening? Did you see God in any of it?
- Have you found there’s so much more in things that seem less important or in the less likely places like death and destruction?
Prayer:
Mysterious and present God, thank you for your love, grace, mercy, trust, patience, and hope giving. There’s been a lot of things going on recently and yet you work through the most unlikely places under our very noses bringing healing and direction. Strengthen us as we do the best we can with the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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