Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today, the famous first ‘miracle of Jesus’, turning water to wine we find in John’s Gospel, probably written between 90 and 110 CE, though it may have originated as early as 70 CE.  It is the last of the four canonical Gospels to have been composed. By that time, the divinity of Jesus was clearly recognised.

For me Cana has taught me five lessons.

1.Wine is a good thing. The disciples of Jesus enjoyed it enough to drain the stock dry.

2. Marriage is a very good thing – and Jesus wanted to make sure everyone enjoyed the celebration – which could go for a number of days. Hence the need to fill all those jars to the full. According to the experts, Jesus made a total of 120 to 180 gallons of fine wine. This figure is based on the fact that the  six stone water jars – each held between  20 to 30 gallons. I wonder how many gusts were there at that wedding celebration!

3. Like Mary – who could well have been  relative of one of the married couple - we need to keep our eyes peeled to see what needs to be done. When meeting someone, ask yourself, how well - or unwell, fatter or thinner – they are looking? Take a genuine interest in others.

4. Mary points us to Jesus  who might ask us to do something that seems to makes no sense – like filling all those six stone jars with clean  water after they had been used for ablutions customary among the Jews. 

5. A lesson in Hope – the theme of this 2025 Jubilee Year. Unpredictable great things can/may take place. Acquaintances may become friends. You might read a book that changes your life. You might take up exercising that will make you fit. The future is a parcel that needs to be untied.