Encouragement

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 for a few days. John 2:2-12

I have always found this "first" miracle of Jesus, less about the miracle and more about the relationships. Mother to son, parent to child and all this acted out in front of a crowded and chaotic family wedding. Jesus had disciples but had not performed any miracles. The gospel of John reports that Jesus said it wasn't his time. His whole response to his mother was rather juvenile bordering on rude. Familiar family dynamics, I think. And yet, it is Mary that carried him and Mary who saw when he was ready before Jesus himself could. Often times we don't see our own capacity when those who love us do. May we rely on those who love us to help us see who we truly are, stepping out in faith, despite our reluctance. Even Jesus had very real moments of reluctance and hesitation. May we all be grateful today for those who encouraged us to step out in faith despite our fears.

Gracious Creator, you plant us in communities

surrounding us with wise elders and close family

giving others the eyes to see what we cannot

and hearts to articulate the hopes and possibilities.

We are too often filled with fear and reluctance

fearing that we will not meet the expectations

bound by our real human limits and anxieties

only safe when we are hidden in the crowd.

May we step out today to honor our mentors

our families, our communities and supporters

they need us now to voice their needs and hope

and encourage new miracles in our struggling times. Amen.