Water to wine. Jesus’ first miracle would have set the fundamentalist on fire today! Just the mere thought of drinking wine makes many of them clutch their pearls. One of the messages I think Jesus was trying to get across in today’s scripture readings is that the unexpected, the disappointing, even the damaging can and will happen to us. However, how we react to those situations speaks volumes.
And trust me, there are time when we are far from safe and secure in our lives. Many people today are concerned as we prepare to swear in a new president tomorrow. They fear all the terrible things that may happen to those they love or even to themselves. Jesus reminds us that despite the obstacles we face, he is right there with us, helping us through. Does that mean I live my life without fear or concern? No, I too worry about the future. However, I can only deal with what I can control.
And wasn’t that Jesus’ message? And Mary helped to drive that point home. She made Jesus aware that the wine had run out, the bridegroom was loosing face and his reputation was to be damaged. Jesus asks her what concern is that of his? And all his mother responds with is to tell the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to. That was her answer. It is something you can fix, something you can change, so do it.
And Jesus did. He not only made more wine out of water, but the wine turned out to be much better than the wine they had bought! Jesus preformed this first miracle despite not really wanting to. He showed us that it is required that we work to fix the things we have the power to fix. We cannot sit by and ignore the needs in the world around us. Nor can we sit back and watch evil things happen in the world. We have to stand up and make a change.
This week, I pray that you find the courage and strength to keep going no matter how hard the path gets.
Pax et Bonum,
Bishop Greer