The sequence of our scripture readings in January always make me chuckle. Jesus is born, a week later the Magi come, Mary and Joseph take the baby and escape to Egypt, then he’s baptized as an adult and then he’s off and running in his active adult ministry. And in three months, we’ll remember him dying on the cross and defying the tomb. Fast forward.
We’ve mixed up the readings from the usual course and this week we’ll remember one of the pivotal moments from the early days of his ministry: turning the water into wine at the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12).
I love this story because it gives a glimmer of insight into Jesus’ adult relationship with this mother and his own reluctance to start his ministry. And I love having our 21st century, hyper-rational minds grapple with the meaning of the miracles.
Many of us hesitate when we know we’re about to start something big, when we know we need to make a change or begin a project or a new phase in life. Taking that first step, when it’s solely up to us, can be daunting. Jesus is at one of those moments here.
On Sunday, we’ll reflect together on this story and wonder about how God is inviting us to start something new in this time, and in this place.
Image by Joseph Matar from LebanonArt.com.
