John 2:1-11 (NRSV)
Read John 2:1-11 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 2On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Verse 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. Verse 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." Verse 4And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." Verse 5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Verse 6Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Verse 7Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. Verse 8He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. Verse 9When 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 Verse 10and 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." Verse 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Devotion
This text feels different today. The timing’s not right.
The festive mood of a wedding, the joy of a miracle, the abundance of wine to gladden the heart – it feels out of place in the face of the earthquake in Haiti. It is hard to think of celebration when stories and photos show unfathomable devastation.
Yet perhaps the timing wasn’t right in the gospel story either. Amidst the dancing and the toasts, the wine runs out. The steward accuses the bridegroom of poor judgment. And Jesus claims he isn’t ready to save the day.
Life’s timing doesn’t follow neat, orderly seasons. On days when earthquakes happen and jobs are cut, babies continue to be born and couples still give their hearts to one another in marriage. The joy and sorrow of life is commingled. All we can do is trust that God is in the midst of life as it comes to us … and hope that in the end, Jesus’ love does save the day.
Prayer
Bring solace, salvation and sustenance to the people of Haiti, merciful God, and comfort those whose hearts are grieved. Amen.