The Wedding Feast of Cana
27/January/2008 Filed in:
JottingsIs there anyone who doesn't like this gospel? A wedding is always a happy occasion. Jesus is there, his back to the bar, busy with his friends and a tad grumpy when his mother alerts him to the young couple's embarrassment. Then the strange command, which the servants fulfil with a knowing wink or two at the battiness of some of the guests, and the miracle is worked: water becomes wine, and because Jesus obviously enjoyed wine (one of the charges against him and his disciples was that they liked feasting more than fasting), very good wine. A metaphor for the Kingdom, yes, but more than that. Cana is all about transformations. Jesus' grumpiness becomes generosity; need becomes abundance; embarrassment becomes gladness and rejoicing; and all because Mary noticed, and was not put off by Jesus' inititial refusal to act. There is something here for us all — and it is good to have it in mind when we read today's gospel about the calling of Jesus' first disciples, which will transform their lives and the lives of all who come after.