Introit: Ps. 66:1-5, 20; antiphon: Ps. 66:4, 92:1

Gradual: Ps. 107:20-21

Old Testament: Ex. 33:12-23

      or Amos 9:11-15

Psalm 67 (antiphon: v. 1)

      or Psalm 111 (antiphon: v. 9)

Epistle: Eph. 5:22-33

      or Rom. 12:6-16

ProperVerse: Ps. 148:2

Gospel: John 2:1-11

Jesus' First Miracle Reveals God's Glory

The coming of the Messianic kingdom means the restoration of creation. The sign of this restoration is that "the mountains shall drip sweet wine" (Amos 9:11-15). When the elements of a fallen creation fail and run short at a wedding feast, our Lord Jesus steps in to restore creation and miraculously changes water into an abundance of the very best wine (John 2:1-11). With this sign, Christ manifests His glory. The "back" of God (Ex. 33:12-23) is revealed to those who believe. The hour will come when Jesus will again manifest His glory by taking creation's curse into His own body to release us from its power. The Bridegroom will give His life for the Bride (Eph. 5:22-32), and from His side will flow water and blood, the holy sacraments by which she is cleansed and made one with Him. Through this sacrificial love of Christ we are enabled to "love one another with brotherly affection . . ." and to "outdo one another in showing honor" (Rom. 12:6-16).