John 2: 1-12 (NRSVUE)
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to me and to you? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the person in charge of the banquet.” So they took it. When the person in charge tasted the water that had become wine and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), that person called the bridegroom and 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.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee and revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples, and they remained there a few days.
Devotion
Today’s passage tells the story of Jesus responding to his mother’s wish to solve the wedding host’s dilemma when the wine was running out: a simple solution—turn the water into wine. Housewives the world over have faced similar problems when an unexpected guest arrives for dinner—add some water or broth to the pot of soup! No miracle involved, just a simple solution. If you sew, you’ve probably simply let some seams out or taken a tuck to make a child’s garment still fit. Growing up on a farm in the 40’s with sugar and butter rationing, I don’t recall complaining of meals being less tasty using margarine—a simple solution that helped the war effort. Today we have grown so accustomed to choices in our supermarkets, but opting for the less expensive could make more dollars available for the church pledge or SHARE. Always appalled at the cost of political campaigns, I so wish it could instead be spent to feed those who are hungry. Old frugal habits die slowly; I remember when my husband was out of work, I did not panic—few luxuries had been in our budget anyway. But we didn’t lack for fun, friends, neighbors, church activities, music, family, housing, food and clothing. Sewing for three daughters was fun during their early years, and when teenagers, God provided a job for Bob with L&T Discounts. “All I have needed Thy Hand hath provided” from Great is Thy Faithfulness, my favorite hymn, says it best!
Prayer
Dear loving God, help us learn how to live more simply in these times of job uncertainty, rising egg prices, aging, threats to our Social Security programs, and world unrest. There are so many simple solutions available if we but use the brains and skills you gave us—recipe substitutions on the internet, do-it-yourself projects, patience while coping, 24 hours in every new day! Knowing you desire the best for your people—in your timing—help us to wait with gratitude and trust you more completely.
Laury Bender