The Parishoner Chronicles

Water,Wine and Cana

While preparing my sermon for the January family service, I read the second chapter of John. The gospel was taken from the account about the marriage feast at Cana. This is the story about Jesus and his family attending the after ceremony reception. It appears that Mary must have been a relative or a close friend of those sponsoring the banquet. When the supply of wine becomes exhausted before its conclusion, she asks her son to solve the problem. Jesus seems clearly annoyed with his mother. He makes two statements. "You must not tell me what to do!" and "my time has not yet come." Amazingly, she ignores his comments and directs the servants, "Do as He tells you". Jesus turns the water into wine. All ends well.

I read the story several times, unable to determine the main point. Why had the miracle taken place? What great theological principle was being explained?

An answer came to the above in the Christmas story. God identifies Himself in a human manifestation. Entrance of a baby into the world, shepherds with sheep, a common stable with cows, donkeys and goats are the means the Father used to introduce His Son to the world in a non-threatening way to humans. We can all approach God seeking assistance about common everyday problems. The great concerns of the world have their place in our prayers but so too are the more personal items related to our everyday existence.

Prayers that have been answered

  • Wally and our heating system
  • Grace and the Tea servers
  • God, this past month, has dealt with several cases of lost keys.

    God Bless
    John Upton
    1st February 2004

    • The above is the lead article from the parish magazine for Fenruary 2004.
    If you wish to receive the full magazine it is available for a subscription of £3 per year from Mrs Mavis Bradley on 01322 338654 or email parishmag at sladegreen dot org

    Index of the previous magazine articles