The readings for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; and John 2:1-11.
Remember to watch for appearances or things becoming apparent all through the Epiphany season. Through Isaiah the prophet, God reveals that He will restore His people so they will be a bright light; He will replace their sad names with glad names. God’s people will no longer be forsaken but will be married to their God in an everlasting union.
First Corinthians does not talk about marriage, but Paul is talking about the harmonious, perfect, and enduring union of everyone who makes up the body of Christ, which is also known as the bride of Christ. It is the Holy Spirit alone who unites us with each other and with Jesus Christ, the brideGroom.
John records the marriage that took place in Cana and notes that this was the first manifestation (epiphany) of the nature of Jesus as God incarnate. The gift of God to us in Christmas is ever giving in the lives of people. Like Israel in the Old Testament and the Corinthians of Paul’s time, even Mary misses the deep significance of Jesus’ redeeming work; Jesus is here to save us from our sins, not to be a handy butler. Nevertheless, Jesus demonstrates His want and will to save us from the greatest peril of condemnation under the law by saving us from even the smallest problems, like running out of wine.