Not now, Ma!

An Accidental Miracle?

Takes place before Jesus begins his public ministry;

Doesn’t appear to fulfill a purpose related to Jesus’ teaching,

or proclamation of the Kingdom of God.;

Isn’t a cure, doesn’t feed the hungry;

Isn’t even something Jesus intended to do.

‘What does it have to do with you and me?’

—OR—

‘Ma-a! Not now; it isn’t time.

So why does John relate this event?

The first hint comes from v 11:

Signs

New American Bible: Revised Edition Chapter 2

11 Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs* in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.e

John will relate seven such ‘signs’

each one revealing more fully the nature of Jesus’ nature and mission;

and each one revealing an aspect of the redemption (glorification) we have received

through Jesus’ glorification (Passion, Death, Resurrection).

Keep Looking for Signs

The Gospel of Luke, which the Lectionary will follow on Sundays this year, like the other Synoptics, takes a very different approach to the Gospel story; there isn’t the same kind of theological framework that overlies the description of events in John.

Still, John’s approach can help us to get a perspective on the words, the work and the mission of Jesus as we see them in the other Gospels. Here are some questions to keep in mind through Luke's Gospel:

What do the miracle stories reveal to us when we see them as signs?

What’s behind the words in Jesus’ teaching? … his discussions with opponents (religious and civil leaders)?

Why does the evangelist situate them in

this geographical place (Galilee, Jerusalem)? this setting, (house, boat, Temple)?

Why is it in this part of the Gospel (and not earlier, later)?

None of these things is accidental in the Gospels, especially not in John. As we continue to look more deeply into the message, the text and the form of the Gospels we can grow in the knowledge and the wisdom and the love of God.

Come, Holy Spirit! Enlighten our hearts and minds, inflame our desire to know and love more deeply your Christ, our Savior and Lord.