Water to Wine

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days .John 2:1-12

There are very few good things about being sick. I have been laid up for a while but I have been blessed to have my family around. We have laughed so much, done a puzzle together, and talked at length. Embedded in a loving family or community, even when you're not feeling well, you can forget all about the discomfort and the challenges. Family can bring the best out in us all.

Jesus' first miracle happened within the context of family. He was with his family at a wedding, most likely a family wedding. It was at this event, where his mother encouraged him, almost nagged him, into his real role of Messiah. He resisted, as we all might resist the push of others to step out in faith. Often those who love us can see what is possible in us when we cannot. Mary saw the potential in her child and knew it was time for him to act on it.

Today I am grateful to God for a loving family and a community of supportive friends. May we be those who encourage the gifts and the blessings that others have. May we help them know they are blessed by God and feel confident about their gifts. And may we make it our business today to see the miracles that are the family of God which surrounds us all..