New Wine
“For as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.”
Simon de Vos, The Marriage at Cana
This week, we turn our attention to Simon de Vos’s dynamic and bustling The Marriage at Cana. Painted in 1640, this vibrant Baroque masterpiece brings to life the Gospel narrative from John where Jesus performs his first miraculous sign by turning water into wine. De Vos was known for his ability to capture joyous and celebratory scenes, and this painting is no exception. It overflows with detail: a crowded table laden with dishes, figures in elaborate dress, and a swirl of movement and color that conveys the liveliness of the feast.
At the center of the commotion, however, is a quiet miracle. Jesus is placed prominently but unassumingly, surrounded by his disciples and servants who are just beginning to realize the significance of what has happened. Mary, his mother, leans in toward him, her faith in his power standing in stark contrast to the confusion of the others. De Vos’s work captures the tension between the mundane and the divine, showing us that Christ’s glory often unfolds within the ordinary moments of our lives. As you reflect on this painting, consider how God’s grace transforms the water of our daily routines into the wine of abundance and joy.
"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds."
— Psalm 96:7
Second Sunday of Epiphany
Texts for this Week
Prayer
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Scriptures
Isaiah 62:1–5
Psalm 96
I Corinthians 12:1–11
John 2:1–11
Vaughan Williams, Let All the World in Every Corner Sing
Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Let All the World in Every Corner Sing is a jubilant hymn that beautifully echoes the themes of joy and glory found in this week’s readings. The soaring melody, paired with George Herbert’s timeless words from The Temple, invites all creation to proclaim the majesty of God. As the voices and harmonies intertwine, the hymn becomes a living metaphor for the unity of the Church, reflecting the message of 1 Corinthians 12. Here, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the diverse gifts of the Spirit are given to build up the body of Christ. Each note in the hymn represents a unique contribution, just as each member of the Church is called to glorify God in their own way.
As you listen to this resplendent piece, let its rich harmonies inspire you to reflect on the gifts God has entrusted to you. How might you, like the instruments in Vaughan Williams’s hymn, add your voice to the symphony of God’s Kingdom? In the same way that Jesus transformed water into wine, he takes our offerings—no matter how simple—and turns them into something extraordinary, for the blessing of others and the glory of God.
"But you have kept the good wine until now."
John 2:10
