The miracle of changing water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana in John’s gospel is a familiar one. In fact, as a young boy I was so fascinated by this story that I would try to emulate Jesus on multiple occasions when I could find a quiet corner in my home. Of course to no avail, else I would have been a very wealthy wine-maker. As I reflect on today’s reading, I realize that the wine-making as well as the stone jars and other details can distract us from perhaps some of the central messages of the reading.

If we view this reading through the lens of John’s overall message, which is God’s love for us as revealed in Jesus, a message that we can draw is that of God’s abundant grace. During the Christmas season as we remember the incarnation, we are reminded of the love that God has for us, a love that has no limits, no boundaries. Whenever we feel down, depressed, unworthy or unloved it is worth reminding ourselves of this abundant love that is freely given to us. May the experience of this love fill us with gratitude and the willingness to be channels of it in our world, that so desperately needs it.