Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 16, 2022                      (today’s lectionary)
The story of a wedding
For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet.
The wedding was in full flood, and the wine flowed out but did not flow in. What would happen next, in this week-long party that happened once or twice in a lifetime? Mary knew the beautiful poetry of Isaiah, and so did Jesus.
I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch.
Mary was the first to speak.
When the wine ran short the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”
Jesus thought he knew what he was doing. After trying to set aside his mother’s fears, he reminded her of his mission.
My hour has not yet come.
Why am I not surprised that a Jewish mother, the epitome of whom might be Mary, would continue with her plan, essentially ignoring the righteous indignation of her son?
His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Did Jesus roll his eyes when he heard his mother’s words? Did his righteousness result in a sharp rebuke? Actually, no.
Jesus told the servers, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.”
Paul reminds the Corinthians, along with us, that there are many kinds of spiritual gifts. In this story there is the expression of wisdom, knowledge and discernment of spirits (Mary), faith (the servants) and mighty deeds (Jesus).
One and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.
Isn’t this a smashing story – of Mary’s confidence, of Jesus’ willingness (eventually), and of the server’s obedience and courage?
Nations shall behold your vindication, and all the kings your glory; you shall be called by a new name pronounced by the mouth of the Lord. You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord. As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.
Every wedding deserves a miracle like this one. Every day, and every night … deserves a miracle like this one.
The headwaiter called the bridegroom and said, “Everyone serves good wine first, but you have kept the good wine until now.”
Jesus took the water and made new wine. In the river’s water he was baptized, and God’s touch filled him with the Spirit. He WAS the good wine now.
Jesus so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.
 (Isaiah 62, Psalm 96, 1 Corinthians 12, 2 Thessalonians 4, John 2)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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