by Roy M. Terry IV
Gospel Reading: John 2:1-11
For Sunday, January 20, 2013: Year C—Epiphany 2
My wife and I had a glorious wedding and for the most part it came off without a hitch. But, we did run out of beer and wine. It is at this point that I proclaimed, “I just wish Jesus was here!”
My wife and I had consciously rationed the amount of adult beverages knowing that we would be under the scrutiny of a few of our “church” friends. Too much and we would be labeled “lushes.” Too little and our fraternity and sorority friends would have bailed on the party. So we settled for almost enough.
Moochers?
Weddings are never about almost enough. In spite of celebrating the lovely couple and their day together—for the most part—everyone enjoys mooching off the fare. The best weddings I have ever been to included food galore, drinks overflowing, a kick butt DJ and one wedding I attended even had fruit in the men’s urinal! Now that’s what I call extravagance. It is a day for going over the top! So, moochers are expected and hopefully everyone has their fill.
Reluctant Guest
However, I can almost imagine the conversation between Jesus and Mary regarding their invitation to the wedding.
Jesus: “Do we have to go?”
Mary: “Yes, you know they will be expecting you!”
Jesus: “But I have kingdom work to do!”
Mary: “Just this one time I promise.”
Jesus: “But I don’t know anybody! Were my new friends invited?”
Mary: “Well. Hmmm. I'm sure it would be fine if they came along too.”
And then it happened, the disciples had drunk every last bit of the wine.
Miracle Initiated
It is Mary who initiates the first miracle (probably out of guilt for bringing 12 additional guests) and Jesus is reluctant. Now I know this text is packed with symbolism - third day, bridegroom, the best wine and I could easily go there, but it just seems like something more human is going on?
The Hardest Question
Why is Jesus so reluctant to help save a wedding? Is the miracle the wine or that God was willing to cover for moochers?
Rev. Roy Terry serves as the pastor of Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Naples, FL. In addition to working at the church, Roy enjoys supporting his wife and daughter's equestrian pursuits, playing in the Holy Moly Band, getting a few tattoos and singing classic rock tunes at the local sports pub. He has been published in Christian Century, Duke Divinity School's publication Divinity, The Ekklesia Project, and was a contributor in Diana Butler Bass’ work on re-traditioning churches, From Nomads to Pilgrims and Christianity for the Rest of Us.
