Third Sunday after Epiphany

The 1928 Book of Common Prayer shifted the traditional Gospel (St. John 2:1ff) from the Second Sunday after Epiphany to this Sunday. Since in this particular year the Prayer Book season of Epiphany is ending this week, the themes of this Gospel have a heightened significance in our meditations. The account of the Wedding at Cana is sometimes familiar because of its mention in the Form of Solemnization of Matrimony. Certainly, we can take this event as one indication, among others, of our Lord's honor for traditional marriage. In addition, the story points to Jesus as Lord of creation who can do things that no one else can. There are also other themes in the passage such as the transformation of traditional Jewish rituals into the "new wine" of the Gospel- and indeed not just any wine but the best wine. All of these themes point to the conclusion in St. John 2:11- "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory, and his disciples believed on him." 

Like other Epiphany readings, this Gospel has the theme of manifestation or epiphany. Even as a wedding guest, Jesus shows forth divine glory. The miracle is a sign; it leads His disciples to believe. They certainly do not understand everything, but they do have faith in Him. All of God's works of creation, redemption, and sanctification can be signs for us. One of their great purposes is to lead us to believe in Christ Jesus. And in faith, this week, we can end the season of Epiphany saying the antiphon that we started with: "The Lord hath manifested forth his glory; O come, let us adore him."