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2nd SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
by Rev. Tom Hall
Relationships. They stretch us, strain us, encourage us, teach us, try us, and often
grow us. In each of the three passages that follow, relationships are at the core. In the
first lesson, for example, God forges a new relationship-marked by new names and promises.
In the second lesson, Paul instructs people how to work in community through the Spirit
who gifts everyone. And in the gospel lesson, a marriage reception stumbles into a near
disaster when Jesus intervenes to supply what lacks. So explore the relationships that
meet us at every turn.
ISAIAH 62:1-5-A TECTONIC SHIFT IN RELATIONSHIP
What a wonderful poem of salvation and new beginnings! God
refuses to keep silent about new plans for Jerusalem and the land and the people who have
returned from exile. Whatever has strained the relationship in the past, is truly past and
God now wishes for their union to be restored. Such a shift in divine sentiments is
reflected in the name changes that occur throughout the passage. So visible and glorious
will be the restored land and people that "the nations shall see your vindication and
all the kings your glory" (v. 2). The controlling metaphor is that of courtship: a
young man who marries a young woman. Such reflects God’s tender emotions toward these
exiles.
1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11-SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN COMMUNITY
This passage includes practical instructions and teaching on the
use of charismata, "gifts" in public Christian gatherings. Some of the
material is peculiar to the original hearers (no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever
says ‘Let Jesus be cursed!’ . . .) yet much of this passage provides us with
excellent guidelines for understanding the work of the congregation through the use of
each member’s gift-mix or giftedness. Paul clearly suggests the wide diversity and
variety of Christian tasks and enablements, yet never promotes rugged individualism.
Everything done or offered in Christ’s name happens through the community, Paul
teaches, for "All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each
one individually just as the Spirit chooses" (v. 11).
JOHN 2:1-11-WATER INTO WINE
This would be especially apropos should you be attending or
performing a wedding on this weekend. If not, however, the writer moves beyond the "I
do" and "for better, for worse" to spiritual insight and reflection of the
ministry of Jesus. This miracle, we are told, is Jesus’ first. So we’re watching
how and what happens in the story as a way to discover something about Jesus. The story
line you know-Jesus attends a wedding along with disciples and his mother. Problem: the
wine runs out (which is a rough equivalent in our day to the disc jockey running away with
the bride). A social tragedy. So Jesus steps in with instructions not unlike the prophet
Elisha (2 Kings 4:1-7). Similar also is the replenishment-miracle that results from
Jesus’ instructions. Comments from the steward about this being superb wine makes the
reader/listener wonder about the abundant good that Jesus will bring to the world.
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