January 17, 2010 2nd Ordinary Sunday Is. 62:1-5; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; Jn. 2:1-11 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   Readings:   http://www.usccb.org/nab/011710.shtml   ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________   The miracle at Cana does not stress the miraculous changing of water into wine, which is not described but only implied in the question of the headwaiter. This transformation is a sign of the deeper transformation that will occur in John’s Gospel. The narrative culminates with the words: “at the beginning of his signs ... Jesus revealed his glory and his disciples began to believe in him.” The reaction of the disciples and the interaction between Jesus and his mother provide the dramatic focus to the narrative. Jesus begins his public ministry as the young couple begins life together. When the wine begins to run out, Jesus’ mother notes this and receives what seems to be a rebuke, “Woman, how does this concern of yours affect me? My hour has not yet come.” Yet she immediately says, “Do whatever he tells you,” and the sign is accomplished.   Mary, at this point in the Gospel, is a symbol of the many people who have great faith in Jesus but do not really understand who he is. Yet her faith will lead to the true manifestation of the glory of Jesus, since the reference to the “hour” points to the lifting up of Jesus on the cross, when he will draw all people to himself, and to that moment when Mary will embody discipleship in its fullness. In John’s Gospel Mary’s birth pangs occur at the foot of the cross, when she becomes the “mother” of all those whose love leads them to Jesus, epitomized by the presence of “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”   The wedding feast at Cana not only narrates the first sign of Jesus; it is also rich in biblical symbolism. The coming of the Messiah is often portrayed as a wedding banquet. The amount of fine wine given by Jesus equals between 120 and 180 gallons, a quantity that reflects the Old Testament motif of an abundance of wine in the final days. This first sign is the manifestation of the grace and truth that has come through Jesus Christ and a summons to join in the celebration.   The sign of water into wine is an acted out gospel presentation. It proclaims that the kingdom of God is at hand. For those waiting for the dawning of the new age, in this case the disciples, it proclaims that the great feast in the last day, with its abundance of beautiful wine, is actually rubbing up against us. The wine is already for the drinking, and what a good drop it is! Those with searching eyes will see and believe. The sign of water into wine is a gospel story and not a nature miracle designed to prove Jesus' divinity. It proclaims that "the kingdom of God is at hand."   <<   Previous: Baptism of the Lord  | Next: 3rd Ordinary Sunday >>   Go Back to SERMONS (Year C)