The first miracle at the wedding at Cana in Galilee.

(John 2:1-12).

Only one Evangelist — John, makes the narration on the first miracle performed by Jesus Christ (turning water into wine at a wedding or “marriage,” at Cana in Galilee. This occurred on the third day of His departure with Philip and Nathanael from Galilee. Cana was a small township, located 2-3 hours walk toward north of Nazareth and was called Galilean as distinct from the other one — situated close to the city of Tyre. Nathanael was a native of Galilean Cana.

By reason of hospitality, Jesus was invited as an ordinary person, like an acquaintance. His Mother was there already, having presumably arrived there earlier. The family that was celebrating the wedding was not rich. That’s why, during the celebrations, a shortage of wine was uncovered. Blessed Virgin took an active part in the activities, which threatened to mar the innocent enjoyment of the family’s jubilation. Her Soul, filled with goodness, manifested for the first time Her consideration and intercession for people before Her Divine Son. “They have no wine,” — She says to Her Son, counting on His miraculous help for these poor people. “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me?” The use of the word “woman” should not be construed as even slightly disrespectful — this form of address was well recognised in the East. During the severest moments of His sufferings on the cross, the Lord likewise addresses His Mother, entrusting Her welfare to His beloved Disciple (John 19:26). “My hour has not yet come.” — says the Lord. More than likely, Christ bore in mind, that not all the wine had been served at the wedding. In any case, further words from His Mother shows that She did not interpret His response as a refusal. “Whatever He says to you, do it.” — She says to the servants.

There were 6 stone waterpots, which served as the source for frequent ablutions that were established by Jewish laws eg. washing your hands before eating. The capacity of these waterpots was huge, in view of the fact that a “measure” or “bat” was equal to our measure as one and a half buckets; therefore, there could have been from 18 up to 27 buckets in total capacity, making the performance of the Lord’s miracle, all the more striking.

Jesus directed the servants to fill the containers, “and they filled them up to the brim.” Jesus further orders them to draw some of it out and present it to master of the feast, so that he would be convinced in the authenticity of the accomplished miracle. As we can see, the Lord without even any contact, at a distance performed this miracle, which gives an especially clear witness to His Divine power. As the Saint Golden-tongue explains: “So as to show that He is the One Who converts water into grape and rain into wine through the root of the grape; and that, which transpires in the plant over a lengthy period of time, He accomplishes in an instant at the wedding.” Not knowing where the wine came from, the master calls the bridegroom and gives witness through his words to the authenticity of the accomplished miracle, emphasising that the miraculous wine is of much higher quality than that which they had. The words “when the guests have well drunk” should not infer that at this wedding, everybody was drunk. The conversation here is about the general custom and not specific usage to this given event. It is well known that the Jews were noted for their moderation in the use of wine, which in Palestine was regarded as an ordinary drink that was diluted with water. To get drunk was regarded as extremely improper — and of course, the Lord Jesus Christ would not participate in a feast where many may have been drunk. The purpose of the miracle was to bring happiness to poor people, rejoicing in their family’s celebration. It is in this that God’s goodness became apparent. According to the Evangelist’s witness, this was the first miracle that the Lord performed, having started on His path of public ministry. It was also performed with the aim of revealing His glory as the Son of God, and to ratify His Disciples’ faith in Him. After this miracle and spending some time in Nazareth, the whole Holy Family headed to Capernaum, in order to travel from there to Jerusalem for the feast day of Pascha.