Week of 1 Epiphany, Year Two
[Go to Mission St Clare for an online version of the Daily Office including today’s scripture readings.]
Today’s Readings for the Daily Office:
Psalms 16, 17 (morning) // 22 (evening)
Genesis 6:1-8
Hebrews 3:12-19
John 2:1-12
There is only one difference between this morning’s gospel and the gospel reading that we will hear on Sunday morning. Both appointed readings tell the story of Jesus miraculously turning water into wine at a wedding reception. Yet the Sunday reading includes only verses 1 through 11 of the second chapter of John, ending on the triumphant note, “Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believe in him.” Today’s reading, on the other hand, adds verse 12: “After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days.”
I can see why the Sunday reading leaves this verse out. The verse sounds like simple filler, putting a little bit of space between two dramatic episodes–the miracle at Cana and the cleansing of the Jerusalem Temple. But this verse probably gives us a better sense of what following Jesus was like on a day-to-day basis. Apparently, discipleship sometimes meant just chilling out for a few days in a seaside town with Jesus, his mom, his brothers, and his other friends.
Today, our work may be simply to remain with Jesus and with friends and family. Our lives may be punctuated with signs of glory like the transformation of water into wine, or with bold acts of justice like overturning the tables of the money changers, but we may also find ourselves filling in the days between these moments. If today is one of those in-between days, may we find ourselves in the company of Jesus, family, and friends, and remain there.
Lora Walsh blogs about taking risks and seeking grace at A Daily Scandal. She serves as curate of Grace Episcopal Church in Siloam Springs and assists with education, young adult ministry, and campus ministry at St. Paul’s in Fayetteville, Arkansas.