THE WEDDING GUEST – Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C; Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (RC)

January 19, 2025

Revised Common Lectionary
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 36:5-10
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
John 2:1-11

Lectionary for Mass (RC)
Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10 (3)
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
John 2:1-11

Like many couples striving for the perfect wedding, Sean and Greg meticulously planned every detail. One important item on their list was a wedding cake that would not only taste amazing but also serve as a visual masterpiece, reflecting key themes in their lives. After searching high and low, they found the ideal baker to craft this symbolic centerpiece for their family and friends to admire and enjoy. What could possibly go wrong?

On the day of the wedding, disaster struck. As the delivery van made its way to the venue, the driver had to brake suddenly to avoid an accident. You guessed it—the cake toppled over. While it was still edible, it was no longer fit for display. Thankfully, a determined wedding coordinator persuaded the bakery department at a nearby grocery store to deliver a replacement cake in time. What began as a potential wedding-day catastrophe turned into a memorable story of resilience and joy—a story Sean and Greg and their guests will laugh about for years to come.

In today’s Gospel reading, we encounter another wedding in Cana of Galilee, not far from Jesus’s hometown of Nazareth. Here too, a potential disaster loomed when the wine ran out—a serious embarrassment for the hosts in a culture where hospitality was paramount.

The mother of Jesus (not named in John’s Gospel) brings the problem to his attention: “They have no wine” (John 2:3). Her words imply a request, but Jesus’ response seems reluctant, even dismissive: “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). Yet as the story unfolds, we see that Jesus does act, perhaps after some gentle maternal nudging. His response to the crisis reflects not just compassion for the couple and their guests but also an awareness of the greater mission God has entrusted to him.

This story of water turned into wine is rich in symbolism. It is the first of Jesus’ signs in John’s Gospel, and it points to the greater “hour” that will come when Jesus is lifted up on the cross. The vessels used for the miracle were not ordinary water jars—they were meant for ritual purification. By transforming the water in these jars into fine wine, Jesus prefigures his critique of a religion focused on outward ritual over inward transformation. Throughout his ministry, Jesus would challenge such hollow practices and invite people into a deeper relationship with God.

What stands out most to me in this story, though, is its affirmation of joy. The abundance of wine reflects the abundant joy and gladness of God’s reign—a theme echoed throughout the Gospels. Again and again, Jesus likens God’s reign to a wedding feast, a celebration with ample food and drink for all.

Jesus is the wedding guest who ushers in a new creation, transforming hearts and inviting everyone to God’s great feast. Can we imagine a world where all people are invited to eat and drink freely—and not just the cheap stuff, but the finest vintage? Will we accept the invitation to join in? And will we extend that invitation to others, especially those who might otherwise be excluded or in need of the joy Jesus offers?

A Hymn for Today: “Jesus, come! for we invite you”

Anglican priest Christopher Idle wrote the following text for this very Sunday in 1979 when he was a parish rector. While appropriate for weddings, it deals primarily with the transforming power of Christ that is revealed at the wedding in Cana. Listen here.

Jesus, come! for we invite you,
Guest and master, friend and Lord;
Now, as once at Cana’s wedding,
Speak, and let us hear your word:
Lead us through our need or doubting,
Hope be born and joy restored.

Jesus, come! transform our pleasures,
Guide us into paths unknown;
Bring your gifts, command your servants,
Let us trust in you alone:
Though your hand may work in secret,
All shall see what you have done.

Jesus, come! in new creation,
Heav’n brought near by pow’r divine;
Give your unexpected glory
Changing water into wine;
Rouse the faith of your disciples—
Come, our first and greatest Sign!

Jesus, come! surprise our dullness,
Make us willing to receive
More than we can yet imagine,
All the best you have to give;
Let us find your hidden riches,
Taste your love, believe, and live!

Text: Christopher M. Idle, b. 1938, © 1982, The Jubilate Group (admin. by Hope Publishing Company). Used by permission under OneLicense #A-729857
Tunes: BEST GIFT, SICILIAN MARINERS, UNION SEMINARY, WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Image Credit: Wedding Feast, John August Swanson, 1996

“Word and Song: A Lectionary Reflection” is written by the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, Rev. Dr. Mike McMahon. For his full bio, click here and scroll down to the “staff” section.

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