mamabishop: Second Sunday After Epiphany

Friday, January 17, 2025

Second Sunday After Epiphany - January 19, 2025

Second Sunday After Epiphany January 19, 2025

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. John 2:1-11

Today we hear the story of Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine. Tomorrow we will observe MLK Day along with the Presidential Inauguration. Just like at a big family wedding, emotions are running high and complex. This wedding Jesus was attending was probably family and Jesus may have gone there reluctantly. When his mother nudged him to do something about the wine, he pushes back. He felt unready and unprepared like we often do. She believes in him even when he's truly not feeling it. Jesus, fully human, helps us understand the complexity of his ministry and service. And in doing so, he brings light to our ministries and relationships. God's glory is revealed even when we are scared, reluctant and anxious. God's love is in the midst of the coming days, no matter how it might seem or feel. Our Creator is always acting for love, healing, justice and peace, no matter how complex or scary the world might be. Let us remind ourselves that more wine and celebrations are ahead and love, conquers all, always.

A Sunday Litany

Loving Creator, our calm and our stay

we know you have brought miracles forth

water parted to save free to imprisoned people

and water became wine for the world to believe.