In the season after the Epiphany, we seek Christ's revelation. This past week's passage from from the book of John tells the story of Christ's first miracle at the Wedding in Cana when Jesus turns water into the needed wine.
Bobby Gross in Living the Christian Year writes, "If nothing else [this miracle] reveals Christ's humanity--he revels with friends at a wedding--and underscores the earthy goodness of creation--wine to gladden the heart!...This extravagant, gracious gesture foreshadows a greater glory--a messianic abundance--yet to be revealed...Jesus reveals his glory--his authority and power and love--in the place of worship, yes, but also inside a home, out in a front yeard, down by the riverside and in the midst of a wedding. It's in these everyday contexts that he invites belief..." (p. 102-103).
The Collect:
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
*Image of the Wedding Feast and many other works of art depicting this scene can be found at
http://www.eat-online.net/english/artistic/wedding_at_cana.htm
3 comments:
I just wanted you to know that I am enjoying your blog. I am almost 40 and grew up in the faith in wonderful churches, but not in the church calendar. Your blog -- among several others -- is teaching me so much. I appreciate it...thank you!
The story of Jesus turning water into wine is one of my favorites. I didn't grow up celebrating the Epiphany and am also learning a lot. I really like what Boby Gross says about the miracle and how Jesus chose this very act to reveal Himself.
Grace and peace to you
Annesta
Thank you both for your kind words. I've found the richness of the church year from when we first slowly started to learn and year after year as we follow. For me, hearing these familiar stories in light of the church season more truth and mystery unfolds.
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