This year, like the 1662 BCP and unlike the 1928 BCP, the Gospel for the Second Sunday after Epiphany recounts the miracle of the water turned into wine (John 2:1-11). Many Anglicans and others associate this event with the Solemnization of Matrimony. Certainly, this story does show that Christ graced the wedding with His presence and blessing, and there are times when we do well to focus on that connection. However, the central point of the story in John's Gospel and for the Epiphany season lies elsewhere.
The key issue is Christ's action and His disciples' response to Him. The miracle is a sign of who Jesus is. He is God's anointed, and He is Lord over creation. He transforms the purification waters of the Mosaic covenant into the best wine of the new covenant. He manifested His glory, "and His disciples believed on Him" (John 2:11).
Although the disciples were slow to grow in faith, here they made an appropriate response. They saw that God was working through Jesus in a unique way. The disciples responded to this epiphany or manifestation of God in faith. May we also respond by faith in Christ!
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