On this Second Sunday after the Epiphany, we will read from the Gospel according to John, hearing of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana. The author of the Gospel according to John presents seven miracles (or "signs" as John called them), and we will explore and reflect on the actions of Jesus, his mother Mary, and those present at the wedding miracle; as well as explore the symbolism of the water jars used by Jesus to create the best wine at the wedding!
Our Scripture passage is found in the Gospel according to John. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (John 2:1-11).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Read the assigned Scripture from the Gospel according to John: as you read the Scripture, reflect on any thoughts you had on the story or anything that might have surprised you.
After reading the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below, reflect on the following: what objects in the story might have been portrayed as things that symbolized something and their meaning was transformed (among them, the jars and the water); and how might these transformations reveal something about Jesus' mission and ministry?
After reading the "WHERE..." paragraph below, reflect with the thought that "plentiful wine" is often a metaphor for God's grace and abundance: thinking of the examples in the author's statement regarding people in need, would you put the responsibility on God for helping them, or do God's children have a share in helping? If the community of faith are Christ's witnesses in the world, what does that say about our responsibility to the least of our brothers and sisters?
After reading the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below, reflect on what steps we might take in our lives to help us to share God's "Cana grace" more abundantly.
After reading the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph below, reflect on the first two sentences and think about times in your life where the author's words seem especially true: "...the steward does not know the source of the miracle is in Jesus, or its meaning as a sign pointing to God's grace. We are often like that, recognizing good gifts without recognizing their source in the Creator's love."
