The Second Sunday of Epiphany Year C

The Second Sunday of Epiphany
Isaiah 62.1–5
1 Corinthians 12.1–11
John 2.1–11

Nuptial imagery rings through the Bible like a peal of wedding bells. The first two chapters of Genesis reach their climax in the creation of man and woman in God’s image; the last two chapters of Revelation unveil the New Jerusalem, dressed as a bride adorned for her husband. In between, weddings form significant steps in the story of God and his people (Isaac/Rebecca, Ruth/Boaz, and many others); marriage failure reflects covenant disaster (Hosea); marriage renewal-after-failure follows the work of the Servant (Isaiah 54). In today’s reading, Jerusalem’s vindication and glory is to be revealed before the nations, resulting in joy like that of a happy young couple (Isaiah 62). In the New Testament, Ephesians joins Revelation in picturing marriage as a sign and sacrament of Christ’s union with his people. The world (or is it just the journalists?) may scorn, sentimentalize or trivialize marriage; God still celebrates it...