Scripture reflection for Jan. 17, 2010: Second Sunday in O.T., year C

Christ’s first miracle in John’s Gospel, or, as John would call it, “the first ‘sign,’” takes place at a wedding. Marriage is, then, the symbol for whatever it is that God is doing in the world in Jesus of Nazareth, at least as St. John sees it. Now, there is no record of Jesus, Himself, ever having been married, though speculation always abounds, so if it isn’t about Jesus, Himself, what is “Marriage” or “the Wedding Feast” symbolizing for the author of the Gospel? And what does he want us to intuit from his cryptic account? In the first reading, Israel is said to be “wedded” to God when her integrity shines. So…what do you think we are meant to grasp? Water to wine is a major transformation. A mother’s insistence is a minor theme. The theme of “best for last” hints at something under the surface. So what do you see in today’s Gospel? What do you think Jesus is doing that can be symbolized by a wedding, a major transformation, the role of an insistent woman, and the theme, “the last is best?” And what is the role of Israel ’s integrity? Let me hear what you’re thinking!