I—A Gospel
There took place at Cana in Galilee a wedding. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. When the supply of wine was nearly depleted, Jesus’ mother said to him: “They have no wine.” Jesus responded: “Woman, what has your concern to do with me? This is not the time for me to be glorified.” His mother told the staff: “Whatsoever he tells you, do.” To provide for the Jewish rites of purification, there were six stone water jars each of which could hold about twenty gallons. Jesus ordered the staff: “Fill these jars with water”, and they filled them to the brim. “Now” said Jesus “draw some out and take it to the head-waiter.” As soon as the head-waiter tasted the water now become wine, not knowing (although the staff did) whence it had come, he called the groom and marked: “Everyone serves the best wine first, and then, after the guests have drunk well, offers the lesser. You, however, have kept the best for last.” (Gospel according to John, 2:1-10, translation my own)
In these few lines are the core of Johannine theology. Themes, images, and subliminal references to Hebrew sacred script present here are present everywhere. They run throughout the work in a hundred directions like threads making up a fine lace. It is possible to enjoy the richness of one aspect, one pericope, but the power of the work resides in its totality, a vision that pulses out light layer upon layer, a sounding out of an intricate and sustained polyphony.
Perhaps the most important introductory point to be made is that this gospel stands as a repudiation of Judaism inspired by one who obviously knew it well, loved it well, and found it to have rejected its entire purpose and meaning by rejecting to see in Jesus the Messiah of God.[i] Heartbreak and passion in equal measure define its tone. Continue reading