
The wedding reception was rocking and the wine had run out. Wine that the Psalmist says, “gladdens the heart”.
My puritanical upbringing should be glad at the moderation of the bridegroom in his logistics. Just enough, never too much.
Jesus, however sees the frugality as a mistake he can remedy.
Taking charge of a potential social gaff, “Did you hear about his wedding? D’you know the wine RAN OUT!!!“, Jesus has some empty ritual washing jars filled with about One-Hundred-Fifty gallons of water, and turns the water into More Wine!
Extravagant? Reckless? Yes!
John tells us that this is the first sign of the reign of God. Immanuel doesn’t call a prayer meeting as his first act of power rather, he empowers a party!
How did the church lose its sense of mischievous abandon which we see exemplified in Our Lord?
The empty stone jars tell a tale don’t they?
Rote religion, ritual observance and purity don’t gladden the heart as much as spontaneous celebration of life. In fact, truth be told, too much ritual and purity can “poop the party” we are intended to be celebrating.
The key to Jesus’ brilliance in this first miracle, is that he doesn’t conjure up fresh flagons of wine, he uses the existing and perhaps abandoned ritual vessels for a new and radical purpose.
I wonder if we followers of the wine-maker have the same capacity?
On any Sunday morning the “ritual vessels” of the church are trying to keep themselves going by careful logistics and well-scripted liturgy.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Who are we kidding?
The drone of the responses and the reluctance to show any excessive enthusiasm is evidence that everyone present knows, that they will only be getting one small sip from the wine chalice today.
It is only a hunch, but I think the wedding at Cana was a little more rowdy than our sedate liturgy.
In fact, I am convinced the guests did not need to be told to lift up their hearts. The one hundred fifty gallons of fine vintage would have gladdened their hearts and in good Jewish tradition they probably shouted, “L’chai-im” to life! No droning here!
Shouts of celebration!
The third day, is meant to be the day of Resurrection.
This was a third day wedding in Cana, and it makes me wonder;
what will still need to be made empty before the church reaches the third day potential of new life? …
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that despite us, you remain your reckless extravagant self.
So please Lord, let the wine continue to flow.
Let it flow out of the disused and dusty jars of old church habits and histories… Let it flow out into the lives of your children wherever they are – whatever their need might be; where there has been emptiness and isolation let there be dancing and joy, and so in the service of the wine maker of Nazareth may we empower all people to call out “L’chai-im!” to Life!
Maybe then all people will come to believe in Him.
Adapted from- “L’chai-im! – more wine!” by Peter Woods

MAY GOD’S BLESS US TO GROW AND THRIVE – IN 2025!
May God Bless you and yours as we journey in this Epiphany Season…
As we see, appreciate and embrace the Great Gift of God with us
May God’s Spirit empower us to
“expect great things from God and to attempt great things for God”… and
May God Continue to Bless Union Church!
-Pastor Mark
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