Note to self: Do not pass out “this wedding planner’s card” to anyone!
The poor “red-faced-wedding-planner” probably would have never been paid for this one – were it not for Jesus. It was a potential “social gaff.” Everyone would have heard about it. Why, he might never work again! He might even have to relocate!
When it comes to a wedding (or to any major event) – it is all about careful planning and the logistics and the execution… The timing is everything.
You never want to be under resourced…and you are to “make sure” that you have MORE THAN ENOUGH for everyone. You don’t want to scrimp. Frugality is not always a good thing.
There are no excuses for “under-planning” an event. That’s why deadlines are necessary. You always want to error on the side of “extravagance.”
So, this text is surprisingly about “the winemaker” from “Nazareth in Galilee.”
Sometimes you have to “step up” – even when you do not want to “step up!”
“Drastic times” sometimes call for “drastic measures.”
Extreme and undesirable circumstances or situations can only be resolved – by resorting to “equally extreme actions. This is a case in point.
This Gospel text comes to us by way of John’s Gospel and it has been called Jesus’ first sign…or Jesus’ first miracle.
This text is without parallel.
What we know is – the usual festivities of a wedding – consisted of a procession. The bridegroom’s friends would bring the bride to the groom’s house in procession. There the whole village would converge and a wedding supper was held for all who might attend. The wedding festivities lasted for a full seven day – duration.
We cannot precisely locate the village of Cana. It has been suggested that it might have been in the hill country, some nine miles north of Nazareth.
There has been “much speculation” about this text…but I see it as being “just that” – speculation!
We further know that Jesus and the twelve are there and are present…as is Jesus’ mother. There is no mention of his father, Joseph or of his brothers and sisters.
One gets the feeling – that the mother of Jesus is somehow, some wise in charge.
Whether it might be “a family related wedding” – we are not told.
We also get the impression that Jesus is hesitant. Very hesitant.
Does anyone besides me – remember the little ditty: “Every party has a pooper – that’s why we invited you – party pooper?” “Party Pooper!” “Party Pooper!”
I think one of the “real values” of this text by John – is that we get a glimpse of Jesus at the beginning of his journey.
Everyone focuses on the sign, the wonder, and the miracle and forgets about the struggle of the journey – before it is even begun. This is about that all important – first step!
What do we “do” while we are “waiting for “our time” to come?” Do we doze? Run in circles? Watch TV? Take a class? Call 12 disciples and kibitz for a while? Play Mine craft or Mortal Combat?
Jesus is hesitant. But he is no “party pooper.”
Weddings are meant to be festive occasions. They are celebrations! This wedding was a rocking…and the wine had simply run out! That’s a problem.
And it is Jesus’ mother, who seemingly forces his hand.
One more time, he is the obedient son. He does, as is requested of him. He does what is expected…even if, he is unsure or hesitant.
Which tells us that Mary knew something. Mothers always know stuff. Mother’s always know that mothering is never done.
There is also a sense of “mischievous abandon” in the text. We are not talking Boone’s Farm Green Apple or Strawberry Hill.
We are talking “top shelf” … we are talking 120-180 gallons… of the best wine, ever … all without incantation, intercession or by lying on of hands…
Just “zap!”
Jesus stepped up, even though he was hesitant…even though he was not yet ready…but when it came to helping out – he erred on the side of pitching in and doing what he could…because he could.
Sometimes, you just have to step up!
Feet first: Ready or not….here I come!