ACC ~ John 2 v1 - 4

OVERVIEW:

Christ, as a servant, attends his servants’ wedding (CHRYSOSTOM) held in Galilee of the Gentiles rather than Jerusalem or elsewhere in Judea (CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA). He thus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah (EUSEBIUS). According to the chronology in John, the wedding was held three days after his baptism (THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA). On the third day, that is, in the last times, the Word descends to earth to consummate his marriage to our human nature, which he heals (THEODORE OF HERACLEA). The third day also signifies the Trinity, while the miracle Christ performs at the wedding is a foretaste of the dowry of his blood, which Jesus will give for his bride (CAESARIUS). Jesus accepts this wedding invitation as an opportunity to confirm his institution of marriage (ORIGEN) portending his own wedding to the church (AUGUSTINE). His presence sanctifies the institution of marriage (MAXIMUS OF TURIN) and annuls the Genesis curse (CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA).

When the wine runs out, Mary turns to Jesus expecting a miracle—but from where did she get such an idea since this was the first miracle John relates to us (ROMANUS)? Perhaps she also was hoping for some recognition for her son (THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA). But Jesus rebukes Mary for her request, even as he still loved and respected her (CHRYSOSTOM). We also get a glimpse of the divine nature in this rebuke, however (AMMONIUS, AUGUSTINE). He rebukes her because of her focus on the physical wine when he has in mind the wine of our redemption (MAXIMUS OF TURIN) as he waits for the hour known only by his Father (IRENAEUS). The miracle was not done out of necessity but rather to manifest his glory, which would only be fully manifested when his hour had come on the cross. (AUGUSTINE). As the creator of time, Christ knew what the most appropriate hour would be for him to accomplish his work, but he also honored his mother and so performed the miracle at the proper time (ROMANUS).

2:1 | A Wedding at Cana

THE SERVANT ATTENDS HIS SERVANTS’ WEDDING

CHRYSOSTOM: Since our Lord was known in Galilee, they invite him to the marriage. And he comes because he cares more about our good than his own dignity. The one who did not despise taking on himself the form of a servant [1] would much less despise being present at the marriage of servants. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 21.1. [2]

[1] Phil 2:7.

[2] NPNF 1 14:73**.

THE WEDDING HELD IN GALILEE

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The wedding was not held in Jerusalem but outside of Judea, as it were, in the country of the Gentiles—“Galilee of the Gentiles,” [1] as the prophet said. It is, I suppose, altogether obvious that the synagogue of the Jews rejected the Bridegroom from heaven and that the church of the Gentiles [gladly] received him. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.1. [2]

[1] Is 9:1.

[2] LF 43:158**.

THE FIRST MIRACLE IN GALILEE OF THE GENTILES

EUSEBIUS OF CAESAREA: Consider whether this first miracle of our Savior that took place in Cana of Galilee, where he changed water into wine, is not foretold in the beginning of this prophecy where it says, “Drink this first. Act quickly, land of Zebulun and Naphtali, Galilee of the Gentiles.” [1] And this miracle was a sign of the mystic wine—that wine of the faith of the new covenant that is transformed from bodily joy to a joy of mind and spirit. PROOF OF THE GOSPEL 9.8.8. [2]

[1] Is 9:1 LXX.

[2] POG 2:170-71**.

THE WEDDING HAPPENS THREE DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BAPTISM

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: It is evident that this third day should be calculated as the third day after the baptism. He said that the first day was that in which Andrew and his companion followed him and then passed the night with him. The second day relates the events concerning Philip and Nathanael. The third day points to the events of this wedding party. Clearly all these events took place in Galilee. Immediately after his baptism he left and lived there. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 1.2.1. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:55.

AN ESCHATOLOGICAL WEDDING ON THE THIRD DAY

THEODORE OF HERACLEA: According to the theoria [1] [of this passage], the Word of God descended from heaven in order that the bridegroom, having made the punishment of the human nature his own, might persuade [his bride] to become pregnant with the spiritual seed of wisdom. He convened the wedding on the third day, that is, in the last times of the age. For he struck the transgression that was in Adam and again bandaged us on the third day, that is, in the last times when, becoming human for us he took on the whole fleshly nature that he resurrected in himself from the dead. Therefore, because of this [John] mentions the third as the day when he consecrated the wedding. FRAGMENTS ON JOHN 12. [2]

[1] A technical term for the insight into the vision of God the passage provides.

[2] JKGK 67-68.

THE DOWRY OF HIS KINGDOM AWAITS

CAESARIUS OF ARLES: The third day is the mystery of the Trinity, while the miracles of the nuptials are the mysteries of heavenly joys. It was both a nuptial day and a feast for this reason, because the church after the redemption was joined to the spouse who was coming—to that spouse, I say, whom all the ages from the beginning of the world had promised. It is he who came down to earth to invite his beloved to marriage with his highness, giving her for a present the token of his blood and intending to give later the dowry of his kingdom. SERMON 167.1. [1]

[1] FC 47:402-3.

2:2 | Jesus Was Invited to the Wedding

THE MAKER OF MAN AND WOMAN DOES NOT REFUSE THE INVITATION

ORIGEN: The third day was now come from Jesus’ baptism, and there was a marriage taking place in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there when, on the failure of the wine, he made wine out of water…. Jesus being Maker of man and woman does not refuse to be called to a marriage; it was he who after forming Eve brought her to Adam. Therefore in the Gospel he says about this union, “What God has joined together let no man put asunder.” [1] Let the heretics therefore be put to shame who reject marriage, since Jesus was called to a marriage and his mother was there. FRAGMENT 28 ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN. [2]

[1] Mt 19:6.

[2] AEG 2:7; GCS 10(4):505.

THE WORD WAS THE BRIDEGROOM

AUGUSTINE: The Lord was invited and came to a wedding. Is it any wonder that he who came to that house for a wedding came to this world for a wedding?… Therefore he has a bride here whom he has redeemed by his blood and to whom he has given the Holy Spirit as a pledge. [1] He wrested her from enslavement to the devil, he died for her sins. He arose again for her justification. Who will offer such great things to his bride? Men may offer some trinkets or other from the earth such as gold, silver, precious stones, horses, slaves, farms or estates. Will anyone offer his blood? For if he gives his blood to his bride, he will not be alive to take her as his wife. But the Lord, dying free of anxiety, gave his blood for her in order that when he arose, he might have her whom he had already joined to himself in the womb of the Virgin. For the Word was the bridegroom, and human flesh was the bride. And both are the one Son of God and likewise the Son of man. That womb of the Virgin Mary where he became the head of the church was his bridal chamber. He came forth from there like the bridegroom from his bridal chamber, as Scripture foretold: “And he, as a bridegroom coming forth from his bridal chamber, has rejoiced as a giant to run the way.” [2] He came forth from the bridal chamber like a bridegroom; and having been invited, he came to the wedding. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 8.4.1-3. [3]

[1] See 2 Cor 1:22.

[2] See Ps 19:5 (18:6 LXX, Vg).

[3] FC 78:182-83*. See also Bede Homily 1.14 on the Gospels (CS 110:135).

MARRIAGE SANCTIFIED BY CHRIST’S PRESENCE

MAXIMUS OF TURIN: The Son of God went to the wedding so that marriage, which had been instituted by his own authority, might be sanctified by his blessed presence. He went to a wedding of the old order when he was about to take a new bride for himself through the conversion of the Gentiles, a bride who would forever remain a virgin. He went to a wedding even though he himself was not born of human wedlock. He went to the wedding not, certainly, to enjoy a banquet but rather to make himself known by miracles. He went to the wedding not to drink wine but to give it. SERMON 23. [1]

[1] JFC 72; PL 57:274. See also Gregory Oration 40.18.

THE CURSE ANNULLED

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: As one who was renewing and refashioning the very nature of humanity for the better, Christ not only imparts his blessing to those already called into being but also prepares grace in advance for those soon to be born and sanctifies their entrance into existence. And yet, there is still another reason why Jesus was at this wedding. God had said to the woman… “in pain you shall bring forth children.” [1] How else could we escape a condemned marriage unless this curse was annulled? This curse too the Savior removes because of his love for humankind. For he who is the delight and joy of all honored marriage with his presence so that he might expel the ancient sadness of childbearing. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2.1. [2]

[1] Gen 3:16.

[2] LF 43:155**.

2:3 | Mary Tells Jesus They Have No Wine

WHY DOES MARY EXPECT A MIRACLE?

ROMANUS MELODUS:

When Christ was present at the marriage feast, and the crowd of guests were faring sumptuously,

The supply of wine failed them, and their joy was turned into distress;

The bridegroom was upset; the cupbearers muttered unceasingly;

There was this one sad display of penury,

And there was no small clamor in the room.

Recognizing it, the all-holy Mary

Came at once and said to her son: “They have no wine,

But I beg you, my son, show that you can do all things,

Thou who has in wisdom created all things.”

We beg of you, holy Virgin, from what sort of miracles did you know

How your son would be able to offer wine when He had not harvested the grapes

And had never before worked wonders, as John, inspired of God wrote?

Teach us, how, when you had never gazed upon

And never made trial of His miracles,

How did you summon Him to this miracle?

For the question now posed to us in this matter is not simple,

As to how you said to your son: “Give them wine,”

He who has in wisdom created all things.

Let us learn the word which the mother of the God of all said to us:

“Listen,” she said, “my friends, instruct yourselves and know the mystery;

I have seen my son working miracles even before this miracle. …

“For I know that I did not know a husband,

And I bore a son—beyond natural law and reason,

And I know that I remained a virgin as I had been.

Do you, O man, ask for a miracle greater than this birth?

Gabriel came to me saying how this one would be born,

He who has in wisdom created all things.

“After my conception, I myself saw Elizabeth call me Mother of God before the actual birth; after the birth, Simeon praised me in song;

Anna greeted me with joy; the Magi from Persia hastened to the manger,

For a heavenly star proclaimed the birth in advance;

Shepherds with angels heralded joy,

And creation rejoiced with them.

What would I be able to ask for greater than these miracles?

Indeed from them I have faith that it is my son Who has in wisdom created all things.”

KONTAKION ON THE MARRIAGE AT CANA 7.5-9.

MARY WANTS HER SON TO REVEAL HIMSELF

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Perhaps his mother, as mothers do, incited him to perform a miracle, wishing that the greatness of her son would be revealed—and thinking that the lack of wine offered the right occasion for the miracle. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 1.2.3. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:56.

2:4 | Woman, What Have You to Do with Me?

JESUS ALWAYS HONORED HIS MOTHER

CHRYSOSTOM: We know from the Gospel of St. Luke that Jesus greatly honored his mother since he tells us that Jesus was subject to his parents. [1] … For where parents throw no obstacle in the way of God’s commands, it is our duty to be subject to them. But when they demand anything at an unseasonable time or cut us off from spiritual things, we should not be deceived into compliance. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 21.2. [2]

[1] Lk 2:51.

[2] NPNF 1 14:74**.

GOD DOES NOT NEED REMINDING

AMMONIUS: He chides his mother for having importunely reminded God, who has no need to be reminded of anything. It is as if he had said, “Do not regard me only as a man but also as God. Not yet has the time of my manifestation come. Not as yet is it known who I am.” FRAGMENTS ON JOHN 57. [1]

[1] JKGK 211.

JESUS’ REBUKE OF MARY EVIDENCES HIS DIVINITY

AUGUSTINE: Although the Evangelist himself mentions Jesus’ mother by her very name, Jesus nevertheless addresses her with the words “Woman, what have I to do with you?” But here he is not pushing her away from himself since he had received flesh from her. Rather, his purpose is to convey the conception of his divinity, which is especially appropriate at this time when he is about to change the water into wine. This is the divinity that had made that “woman” [Mary] rather than being made in her. HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS 4.10.11. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 6:232**.

JESUS’ CONCERN IS WITH THE WINE OF OUR REDEMPTION

MAXIMUS OF TURIN: The most blessed Mary said to him, “They have no wine.” Jesus answered as though he were displeased. “Woman,” he said, “is that my concern or yours?” It can hardly be doubted that these were words of displeasure. However, this I think was only because his mother mentioned to him so casually the lack of earthly wine, when he had come to offer the peoples of the whole world the new chalice of eternal salvation. By his reply, “My hour has not yet come,” he was foretelling the most glorious hour of his passion and the wine of our redemption, which would obtain life for all. Mary was asking for a temporal favor, but Christ was preparing joys that would be eternal. Nevertheless, the Lord in his goodness did not refuse this small grace while greater graces awaited. SERMON 23. [1]

[1] PL 57:274-75.

JESUS KNOWS TO WAIT FOR THE HOUR FOREKNOWN BY THE FATHER

IRENAEUS: With [Jesus], nothing is incomplete or done at the wrong time, just as with the Father there is nothing haphazard. The Lord checked Mary’s untimely haste when she was urging him to perform the wonderful miracle of the wine and wanting him to partake of the cup, which would have so much emblematic significance later on. This is why he said, “Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour is not yet come”—waiting for the hour that was foreknown by the Father. AGAINST HERESIES 3.16.7. [1]

[1] SC 211:314; ANF 1:443**.

CRUCIFIXION IS THE HOUR YET TO COME

AUGUSTINE: There is… nothing that would compel us to deny the mother of the Lord occasioned by the words spoken by him, “Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour is not yet come.” [1] Rather, he admonishes us to understand that, in respect of his being God, there was no mother for him. [When he spoke to her] it was as he was preparing to demonstrate of his personal majesty [2] in the turning of water into wine. But as regards his being crucified, he was crucified in respect of his being man. And that was the hour that had not come as yet. ON FAITH AND THE CREED 4.9. [3]

THE CREATOR OF TIME IS NOT SUBJECT TO TIME

ROMANUS MELODUS:

But Christ, seeing His mother saying, “Grant me this request,”

At once said to her: “What do you wish, woman, my hour has not come.”

Certain men made use of this saying as a pretext for impiety;

They said that Christ submitted to necessity,

They said that He was a slave to periods of time. [4] …

“Now answer, my child,” said the all-holy mother of Christ,

“Thou who dost control with measurement the periods of time, how, my son and Lord, dost Thou await a time?

Thou who hast regulated the division of the seasons, how dost thou await a season?

Thou who art the creator of the visible and the invisible,

Thou who, as master, dost day and night regulate

The ceaseless revolutions, as Thou dost will them—

Thou who hast defined the years in beautifully ordered cycles—

How, then, dost Thou await a time for the miracle which I ask of Thee

Who hast in wisdom created all things?”

“I knew before you told me, revered Virgin, that the wine was just beginning to give out for them,”

The Ineffable and Merciful straightway answered His holy mother.

“I know all the concerns of your heart which you set in motion in this matter;

For within yourself you reasoned as follows:

‘Necessity now summons my son to a miracle,

And He puts it off under the pretext of “the time.” ’

Holy mother, learn now the meaning of the delay,

For when you know it, I shall grant you this favor,

I, who in wisdom have created all things.

KONTAKION ON THE MARRIAGE AT CANA 7.10-12. [5]

THERE IS A PROPER ORDER TO ALL THINGS

ROMANUS MELODUS:

“At the time when I brought forward Heaven and Earth and all things from a state of nonexistence,

I would have been quite able at that time to arrange in order at once all that I had produced;

But I introduced a certain well-regulated order.

Creation was accomplished in six days—

Not that I did not have the power,

But in order that the chorus of angels, seeing what I did, each deed in turn,

Would deify me, singing a hymn: ‘Glory to Thee, Powerful One,

Who hast in wisdom created all things.’…

“Mark what I say, holy one; for at this time I was willing first

To announce to the Israelites and to teach them the hope of faith,

In order that in the presence of miracles they might learn thoroughly who has sent me,

And that they might know with certainty the glory of my Father,

And his will, for He desires that in every way

I be glorified along with Him by all.

For what He who engendered me has done, these things I also do,

Since I am consubstantial with Him and His Spirit,

I, who have in wisdom created all things.

“For if they had understood all these things at the time when they saw the awesome miracles,

They would understand that I am God before time, even though I have become man.

But now, contrary to order, before the teaching, you have asked for miracles;

And it is for this reason that I delayed a short time in answer to you:

If I was waiting for the time to perform miracles,

It was for this reason alone.

But, since it is necessary that parents be honored by their children,

I shall pay observance to you, Mother, for I am able to do all things,

I, who have in wisdom created all things.”

KONTAKION ON THE MARRIAGE AT CANA 7.13-16. [6]

[1] The Manichaeans used this passage to deny that Jesus had an earthly mother.

[2] Lat cuius majestatis personam.

[3] NPNF 1 3:325*; CSEL 41:12.

[4] The same objection is taken up by John of Damascus (PG 59:134).

[5] KRBM 1:71-72*.

[6] KRBM 1:72-73*.