Something to Ponder on the Lord’s Day!  January 16, 2022

Today's Gospel reading is an interesting story because it is Jesus' first miracle as recorded in the Gospel of John (John 2:1-11). Yet it is also a strange miracle for modern-day readers, turning water into wine. Especially with the abuse and dangers, excessive drinking has caused throughout the ages, including in Jesus' time. In Jesus' day, drinking wine was socially accepted, but as Paul tells us later, excessive drinking was not acceptable and considered a sin. 

The story is strange to our modern ears because alcoholism has affected most of us in one way or another. My paternal grandfather died from complications caused by alcoholism in his 50s, so it is a terrible disease that has harmed many lives and families. However, I still believe the miracle of turning water into wine is a story of grace, and what better way for Jesus to begin His ministry to save humanity. 
The wedding banquet in Cana in Galilee is John's way of saying from the very outset of Jesus' ministry every earthly act is connected to His glory and messianic mission and God's desire to save humanity.

Mary comes to her son not asking him to turn water into wine to save a wedding feast; but to help the groom and his family, who will be shamed by the guests, literally the entire community. I believe Jesus did not know it was time to begin his ministry until His Heavenly Father helped him decide at that moment. Jesus then chose to tart His ministry with an example of God's extravagant generosity. 

God's grace and our Lord's gracious hospitality to provide wine for a needy family and community may be challenging. Still, I hope we can see beyond our modern prejudices. Jesus' first miracle is often referred to as 'Cana Grace,' which emphasizes the reality of God’s grace that is the essence of every miracle God has ever done, from the beginning of creation to current day miracles, those often missed by our modern-day eyes.