GOSPEL: John 2:1-11

Reading:

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Commentary:

This reading shows how Jesus honors and supports marriage, and it is not sinful (at all) for Christians to marry, nor is celibacy commanded by God or somehow a more holy way to serve God.  The presence of Christ, and His great miracle of changing the water into the wine, shows His joy and support of the man and woman who seek the blessing of Christ in their marriage.  The invitation of Jesus to the marriage is like that of the Christian couple who marries in church, has the ceremony filled with God’s Word, and so by faith seeks to keep Christ at the center of their marriage.  The good wine which Jesus gave at the wedding not only shows there is nothing wrong with drinking alcohol (in moderation), but its richness in taste reminds us of how all of God’s temporal blessings are good and sweet and to be enjoyed in faith.  When you eat and drink with joy, knowing all you possess is God’s unmerited blessing which He is happy to give, life becomes more joyful, knowing the goodness of the Lord. “Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”