Less than a month ago, we gathered on Christmas Day to celebrate the Incarnation, and for two Sundays since we have been celebrating glorious epiphanies of God in the world. First, the manifestation of God in the lovely form of baby flesh that was seen, felt, and kissed. Wonder had a field day, as momentous events were celebrated, and each one was a magnificent epiphany of God. The marriage feast of Cana is another one.
John’s Gospel tells us that Mary was at a wedding party. Then, it mentions that Jesus and his disciples “had likewise been invited.” It sounds like their invitations had been tacked on to Mary’s. “Mary, if you want to bring your son and his friends – OK.”
In Scripture, wine is a symbol of peace and joy. There is more to drinking wine than uncorking a bottle. The wine must be made. That requires vineyards. They require lots of care. Then, the grapes must be harvested. Finally, the wine must be made. If soldiers or marauders destroy the vineyard or drive off the workers, there will be no wine. If we have wine that means we have peace.
Jesus makes wine. That is, he brings a time of peace to the world.
Sometimes our lives don’t measure up and our presence in this world is like water at a wedding. No lift in it, no zip to it, it is flat, drooping and spirit-less. “I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” But God invented need to be a divine dynamic, and in this story, it is Mary who saw the embarrassment of the scene. And she did something about it. There was a total transformation. A delightful epiphany.
What remains for us is the task of the head waiter, the one who recognized the good wine and served it to the guests. If, through prayer, reflection, and service, we imbibe the Good News, and intoxicated by it, go out to the world filled with the Spirit of Christ, the world will know peace.
God bless! Have a wonderful week!