Listen

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They don’t have any wine.”

Jesus replied, “Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn’t come yet.”

His mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

John 2:1-5

Think

Everybody loves a good wedding. Who am I kidding? Weddings can be rough. It’s a big crowd of people, many of whom don’t know anybody else except the happy couple, eating rubbery chicken and complaining about the DJ. I once went to a wedding reception where they didn’t cut the cake until well into the 4th hour. Nightmare.

But a wedding is the site of Jesus’s first miracle. Jesus is there, with his disciples and his mom, eating the wedding feast and dancing his heart out. He is minding his own business. His time hasn’t come yet. But even Jesus has a mom who knows better than he does. It is time – for salvation to blaze out like a torch. For God’s unexpected gifts to arrive.

God delights in showing up unexpectedly while we were busy doing something else. In a rec center. Dancing to “We Are Family.” God shows up. And it’s up to us to figure out how we want to respond.

Jordan Haynie Ware

Pray

Almighty God, giver of all good things, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Open my eyes to see your gifts in the world around me and to respond with trust in your goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(Some phrases inspired by the Book of Common Prayer)

Go

My mouth will proclaim the Lord’s praise,
and every living thing will bless God’s holy name
forever and always.

Psalm 145:21