Water into Wine
John 2:1-11
Sweet,
like grapes;
refreshing,
like water;
intoxicating,
like wine…
What is this?
A miracle,
right in the middle
of a mess up,
when somebody —
It isn’t my responsibility!
Don’t look at me!
I didn’t do it!
It wasn’t me! —
didn’t supply enough wine.
Jesus stepped in —
after some urging
from his mom —
and all was well
immediately.
Theologians
speculate
(that’s all theologians ever do)
about the whys
and the wherefores
of this first
act of power
by our Lord.
Why there?
Why then?
Why at all —
when he said
It wasn’t time yet?
Maybe because Jesus
was a nice Jewish boy,
and just wanted
to make his mom happy.
That’s a good reason
(said the mom).
Maybe because Jesus
was waiting for a Sign,
and then realized
this was It.
Or maybe Jesus
didn’t believe this opportunity
was important
enough.
Maybe he thought
water-into-wine was too easy,
and he wanted to start his ministry
with a Major Miracle;
to begin things with
a big splash
that would get everyone’s
undivided attention.
If that is true —
this was a double grace;
a “simple” miracle performed,
and a temptation resisted.
Perhaps this is John’s version
of the Devil’s sly words
to the Lord:
“I will put the world at your feet….
if —
you have flair
and flash
and bling
if —
you are a fine showman,
a fancy dresser,
and you follow the money.”
“Get thee behind me, Satan;
I will be at my Father’s work:
in small deeds
as well as great miracles
for the rich and the poor,
the young and old,
the strong and weak,
the faithful and the doubting.
Wherever I go,
whoever I meet,
without hesitation,
without judgment.
For all people —
everyone, everywhere —
are my brothers and my sisters
who long for love and hope.
To delay would prolong suffering,
the right time
to reveal the good news
is right now: this very minute.
You, there! Fill those jars with water!
Right this very minute!”
Deborah Beach Giordano
© January 25, 2010
