The wedding feast of Cana is the third epiphany. Epiphany means manifestation or revelation. We have seen Jesus revealed with the Magi who recognized him as more than the Jewish messiah but a person of international importance. Last week we saw that at his Baptism the Faher and Holy Spirit proclaimed that he was of cosmic importance, indeed God himself. Today he reveals his glory so that we might share in it like the disciples and believe in him.

This is beautiful in itself but this is from John and there are more dimensions to explore. The most relevant for today is Mary.

As a celibate only child I have little practical advice to offer couples who are getting married. My only suggestion has been that they have a pre-natal bucket list. List the things they will not be able to do when the child or children arrive and do the most important ones. I have heard of some interesting selections: a picture safari to east Africa, explorations of Tuscan Hill towns and, early in my ministry, following the Grateful dead for a few months. Yet a wise woman has suggested that I add a specific one; get lots of sleep now. This is not only or even mostly because of sleep deprivation with a newborn but that once a child arrives parents will never quite have an anxiety-free moment. He, she, or they will always be on the parental mind one way or another. This is not a sign of neurosis or something unique to a particular marriage: this is love and it is also the best way to understand Baptism and indeed the Synod. 

First some history and theology. 

The good news of Jesus is that because we are sinners he died for us, came back to life, and offers us new life indeed a new way of being human through membership in his family, the Church.