The Wedding at Cana

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Second Sunday after the Epiphany, BCP 215)

Every three years we hear the story of Jesus going to the wedding feast in Cana. The story from the gospel of John only comes up in the Epiphany season. It is known as the first of the miracles Jesus performs in showing who he is in the world. The other gospel writers did not include this story in their books, but it is an important part of the structure and overarching story of the gospel of John.

The story is an interesting one. We never learn whose wedding it is, but it must have been someone well-known to Jesus' mother and her family. His mother has clout with the servants and instructs them what to do, despite Jesus telling her that it wasn't his time yet. Turning water into wine isn't actually all that miraculous, all you need to do so is some grapes, some yeast, and some time. Crush up some grapes, add some water, add the yeast, let it sit, and voila! Wine. Yet, the real miracle taking place isn't Jesus circumventing the natural processes of turning water into wine. The real miracle is Jesus himself, showing and sharing himself with ordinary people. God participating in the ordinary acts of humanity. That is the real miracle.

As we continue in this season of Epiphany, take moments to open your heart and eyes. Where is God participating in the ordinary acts of your day? Where has Jesus revealed himself to you? God is working in and around us all the time. Take a look, God is waiting to be found.