ACC ~ John 2 v1
THE SERVANT ATTENDS HIS SERVANTSā 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 GentilesāāGalilee of the Gentiles,ā [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, āDrink this first. Act quickly, land of Zebulun and Naphtali, Galilee of the Gentiles.ā [1] And this miracle was a sign of the mystic wineāthat 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 JESUSā 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 comingāto 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.
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