ACC ~ John 2 v11

THE MIRACLE PROVES THE SONSHIP OF JESUS

MAXIMUS OF TURIN: It was not what they saw happening that the disciples believed but what could not be seen by bodily eyes. They did not believe that Jesus Christ was the son of the Virgin—that was something they knew. Rather, they believed that he was the only Son of the Most High, as this miracle proved. And so let us too believe wholeheartedly that he whom we confess to be the Son of man is also the Son of God. Let us believe not only that he shared our nature but also that he was consubstantial with the Father; for as a man he was present at the wedding, and as God he changed the water into wine. If such is our faith, the Lord will give us also to drink of the sobering wine of his grace. SERMON 23. [1]

[1] PL 57:276.

THE MIRACLE MANIFESTS THE KING OF GLORY

BEDE: By this sign he made manifest that he was the King of glory, [1] and so the church’s bridegroom. He came to the marriage as a common human being, but as Lord of heaven and earth he could convert the elements as he wished. How beautifully appropriate it is that when he began the signs that he would show to mortals while he was still mortal he turned water into wine. [But] when he had become immortal through his resurrection, he began the signs that he would show only to those who were pursuing the goal of immortal life…. Therefore, let us love with our whole mind, dearly beloved, the marriage of Christ and the church, which was prefigured then in one city and is now celebrated over the whole earth. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.14. [2]

[1] Ps 24:10 (23:10 LXX).

[2] CS 110:145*.

CHANGED WATER, CHANGED WINE

CYRIL OF JERUSALEM: [Jesus] once changed water into wine by a word of command at Cana of Galilee. Should we not believe him when he changes wine into blood? It was when he had been invited to an ordinary bodily marriage that he performed the wonderful miracle at Cana. Should we not be much more ready to acknowledge that to “the sons of the bridal chamber” [1] he has granted the enjoyment of his body and blood? MYSTAGOGICAL LECTURES 4.2. [2]

THE MIRACLE CONTINUES AT THE CHURCH’S BANQUET

ROMANUS MELODUS:

When Christ, as a sign of His power, clearly changed the water into wine

All the crowd rejoiced, for they considered the taste marvelous.

Now we all partake at the banquet in the church

For Christ’s blood is changed into wine

And we drink it with holy joy,

Praising the great bridegroom,

For he is the true bridegroom, the Son of Mary,

The Word before all time who took the form of a servant,

He who has in wisdom created all things.

KONTAKION ON THE MARRIAGE AT CANA 7.20. [3]

[1] Mt 9:15.

[2] DECT 188; SC 126:136.

[3] KRBM 1:74. Cyprian also has an excursus on the mixing of both water and wine in the chalice of the Eucharist testifying to the unity of Christ and his people (cf. Epistle 62.12-13).