Second Sunday after Epiphany, 19 January 2025: Isaiah 62:1-5; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11; Psalm 36:5-10
Martin Luther King Jr., Pastor and Martyr Exodus 3:7–12; Psalm 77:11–20; Ephesians 6:10-20; Luke 6:27–36
Today I am juggling two sets of readings: those for the second Sunday after Epiphany, and those for Martin Luther King Jr. Together they give us wisdom for these times.
In the gospel for the second Sunday of Epiphany, we read of Jesus’ first miracle, the wedding at Cana. But what interests me more than the miracle itself is why it happens. It happens because Mary makes it happen. Mary knows. Mary tells Jesus that the wedding has run out of wine. And Jesus’ response is more or less, “It’s none of our business”. But he also tells his mother, “My hour has not yet come.”
So Jesus knows his ministry, and so does his mother. Have they talked about it? Has she helped prepare him for it? It feels here as if there is a pact between them. But Mary is his mother, and she calls the shots. She ignores his protest, and tells the servants to do what Jesus tells them. And so Jesus gives instructions. Unlike some of the later miracle stories, there is no sense of how the miracle happens: Jesus just tells the servants to fill the jars. And there is wine.
Here, at the beginning of his ministry, Jesus is following his mother’s instructions. His mother understands who he is and what he can do. It’s an odd moment. It’s also a reminder to us to listen to others who may call us to ministry. In the epistle, Paul reminds us that we each have different parts in this work. We each have different things to offer, for “there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit”. I have learned over the years that I do not always know, or value, my own gifts. But others have seen my gifts, and helped me to use them.
When we turn to the readings for Martin Luther King, Jr., we find that the gospel gives us guidance on how to live. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” That’s a tall order, and I don’t know anyone who does not struggle with it. But Jesus continues, and reminds us that even sinners love those who love them, do good to those who do good to them. Following Jesus here is work.
We live in a world where people on all sides vilify those they disagree with. There is name calling, there is exclusion, and there is sometimes violence. This is very human. Whatever people claim, however, those who do this on all sides are not following the way of Jesus. Loving enemies is hard, but being able to see those with whom we disagree as beloved children of God is what Jesus calls us to do.
“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest.” Thus Isaiah at the beginning of today’s lesson. Jesus did not keep silent. Neither did Martin Luther King Jr.. Both paid attention to those who were excluded, and gave them a place. Each in their own way took on the established powers of the world they lived in. Each lived out love for their enemies. Both died living out the ministry they had been called to. But in the face of violence, they held on to love. But they were not silent.
Although the readings were not designed to work together, they give us some braided ideas. First, we are not always the best judge of our call. We need to listen to others. But we have different things to offer, and we need to value all the gifts. Whatever our gifts, we are all called to a life of radical love. And we are called also to witness the grief and pain of those who are marginalized. We speak out, but speak out in love.
Tomorrow the nation celebrates the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. May we find the courage to speak out as he did in face of injustice, but also to learn to love our enemies, and know that they too are children of God. And may we listen to those around us who call us to use our gifts in the service of a loving God.