The first sign! John 2:1-11

Onions! -Judith has been using a lot of them in meals suitable for the cold weather – and they have lots of layers, like this story and like the rest of John's gospel, which to some extent, makes it different from the other 3 gospels. The outer layer sees Jesus enjoying a happy occasion, a wedding, at a real place, Cana in Galilee – living a fully human life, but is there deeper meanings in the story, described as the first sign; does it build up a picture of who Jesus is and what he does?

Who is the bridegroom? He just about gets a mention, but what about Jesus? He describes himself as the bridegroom in the other 3 gospels. The OT describes God as the bridegroom of Israel and wedding feast imagery is used to describe God's Kingdom. What does this suggest about Jesus? Is he the true bridegroom in whom we see God fully and does this sign indicate the the Kingdom of God is coming with Jesus?

Not enough wine at a wedding – a social disaster, but what does this say about the human condition and our lives without Jesus? 6 stone water jars, 1 less than the perfect number -does Jesus make perfect the older Jewish religion? And huge jars, filled to the brim - what does this say about God's love – generous and more than enough for all.

'You have kept the good wine until now' – the steward didn't get it, but what is the good wine? Jesus' gift of himself out of love – the passage refers to his death and resurrection . So water, so vital for human life is changed by Jesus into the best wine representing eternal life, which can begin now with him. We discussed other references to wine in this gospel, which though it hasn't an actual description of the Last Supper has many Eucharistic allusions if you look for them, and a lot about water too, and references to baptism.

The story challenges us to consider who Jesus is, and can he transform the water of our lives into wine? Are we open to his grace at work in our lives? And also, does Jesus need help today as the servants helped him at the wedding? - he asked for their help. Does he ask for ours in showing others his love?

Judith