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What Concern is That?

Rev. Annie McMillan

Everyone had a different experience of Jesus’ turning water into wine.

First, there’s Mama Mary. The local busybody, Mama is paying attention, and possibly where she isn’t supposed to be- in the back where the servants are, listening and noticing that this party is about to go downhill fast as the wine had run out. See, “in this time and place, running out of wine too early isn’t just a social faux pas, it’s a disaster. Wine … [was] a sign of the harvest, of God’s abundance, of joy and gladness and hospitality. And so when they run short on wine they run short on blessing.” Noticing what’s going on, Mary went to someone who could help, nudging her son Jesus to take note and act- the wedding banquet needs him.

There are those who benefit from this miracle, enjoying the wine, but have no idea what has happened. The steward doesn’t realize this wasn’t the plan from the beginning, and seems to be a bit confused. The host of this party- the bridegroom- was never consulted. He wasn’t part of the decision, and is probably shocked when told that he waited to serve the best wine- I’m guessing he knew that the wine had run out and has no idea where this better wine came from. And the rest of the guests are blissfully unaware as they enjoy this better wine and drink freely. They have the incredible opportunity to benefit from a miracle, and have no idea that a miracle has even occurred.

There are the disciples- not really helping with the miracle, probably benefitting as they drank with other wedding guests, but in the know as to what happened. We see that the disciples are affected as John tells us that they “believed in [Jesus].”

And then there are the servants. Jesus doesn’t go and fill each of the vessels and then take it to the steward: the servants do; they listen to Jesus’ mother and do as Jesus tells them to do.

Now the servants don’t necessarily get to benefit from the miracle, or sign as John calls it: they’re working, not partying or socializing like the guests, so I don’t think they got to drink the wine. These servants do have a unique role, though: they are the only ones who actually participate in the miracle. And they do more than just obeying and doing as they’re told: the servants have some agency as well. Mary tells them to do what Jesus says, Jesus says to fill the jars with water. It is the servants who make the decision to go above and beyond: there’s no discussion of making things easier for themselves by mostly filling these jars. They don’t just do the bare minimum. No- the servants decide to fill the jars as full as possible- to the brim, with water or wine sloshing a bit as it pours over. 

We can look at this story and know, without a doubt, that a miracle occurred. Water doesn’t suddenly just become good wine. But sometimes miracles and signs aren’t always so easy to discern. So where might we be in this story?

Perhaps we could be like Mama Mary: paying attention, noting where the need lies and even stating the obvious. Connecting those who can help with those who are in need. “Mary simply said two things: ‘They have no wine’ and ‘Do whatever he tells you,’ and a miracle happened. Awareness, faith, and a commitment to see change happen: that’s what Mary had.”

We can also be like the servants: working alongside to help others, seeing others benefit as we participate, perhaps even going above and beyond. Feeding, clothing, helping, giving.  Because we need to be asking the question Jesus asked, but sincerely: “What is our concern? That is the driving question of our discipleship. …In an overfamiliar world, what are we overlooking? What obvious truth, obvious reality, is staring us in the face?” 

In his lectionary blog, Rev. Dr. David Lose proposed: “What is it… that you have a ton of and other people need?” Maybe it’s smiles: going out and smiling “at every person [you] see, whether familiar or not? In a world where suspicion is on the rise, that would be powerful. [Or w]hat about hugs or hospitality?” Inviting someone else to lunch or coffee or even into your “home just to be hospitable?” Maybe you thought about these things a little when you hopefully got that phone call from someone on Deacons or Session. The Mission Committee will be meeting over Zoom next week to discuss what we can do this year. Session is meeting on Saturday to discern and discuss who we are as a church and how God might be calling.

We are called to ask “What concern is that?” To look at the needs in our communities and work to meet those needs. Let us not overlook the obvious but rise to the occasion with faith and commitment. Because God does ultimately care. God’s goodness is abundant. And God is generous with that abundance. Let’s continue to trust in that abundance, and watch and share it where it’s needed.

Thanks be to God. Amen.


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