ACC ~ John 2 v2

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**.