Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 2:1-12 (NLT)

The Wedding at Cana

The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”

“Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”

But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”

This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus reveals his glory at a joyous wedding celebration, and his first miracle reinforces the disciples’ faith. As you read through this story, what stands out for you?

Here’s what I found interesting –

+ Jesus’ participation – It’s a joyous celebration with wine included. And he was happy to participate in the event, bringing friends along with him.

+ Jesus’ reluctance – He’s not ready to reveal himself, the timing isn’t right. Why does Mary intervene? Perhaps the embarrassed hosts are relatives.

+ Jesus’ power – Demonstrated over the natural world (that he created as the Word of God); he simply spoke the command. And converted water for ceremonial washing into wine for joyous celebration.

+ Jesus’ humility – It’s all done quietly without fanfare. There is no “tadah” moment. But the wonder of it all is not lost on Mary and his new followers.

Questions for consideration:

+ When do you invite Jesus into your life events – When you’re happy? When you’re sad? When you’re in trouble? At other times?

+ What do you expect of him – Bless your proceedings? Comfort your distress? Fix your problems? Perform a miracle? Something else?

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Morning Prayer:

Come Lord Jesus, into our lives, and into our life events. Give us the boldness of Mary to ask, and the obedience of the servants to do, what is required to demonstrate your glory, that all may believe. I ask this in your name and for your glory. Amen.
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“When You Walk Into the Room” – Bryan & Katie Torwalt

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen