In the 1928 BCP, the Gospel for the Third Sunday after Epiphany is from St. John 2:1-11. (In the 1549, 1662, and 1962 Canadian Prayer Books, this reading is for Epiphany II). Like other Epiphany readings, it has the theme of epiphany or manifestation. The story of Jesus turning water into wine is a sign. This miracle points to Jesus as the 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. There is also the response of the disciples. As John 2:11 concludes, "... his disciples believed on him."
This time, I would focus on another theme related to this Gospel; that is, marriage, The account of the Wedding at Cana is familiar to some because of its mention in the Form of Solemnization of Matrimony. This event, along with other passages of Scripture, is one indication of our Lord's honor for traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Such marriage was established at the creation of humanity, and while our Lord and His followers value celibacy as a way of serving the divine kingdom, it is clear that loyalty within a marriage between one man and one woman is the ideal to be pursued by most human beings. Traditional monogamous marriage is the context in which most people serve God.
Thus, Christ "adorned and beautified" this holy estate "with His presence and first miracle which He wrought in Cana of Galilee" (1928 BCP, p. 300). In other words, Jesus' presence and the miracle at the wedding are not accidents. Although our Lord is pursuing high spiritual goals, He does not despise an ordinary village wedding. He publically honors the institution of marriage by His presence, and He works behind the scenes to bring joy and blessing to the couple and the community. Likewise, despite the foibles and failings of men and women, we should respect marriage as a holy estate established by God.
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