Jesus attended a Wedding in Cana of Galilee. The groom is thought to be related to Jesus' mother, Mary. There was a problem, the wine needed was not enough and they were rapidly running out.

In some versions of this story, it says that without wine, there is no Joy.

Mary came across to Jesus to tell him what had happened. His response was a little negative, "Why involve me?" “My hour has not yet come.” It is not the right time. This did not stop Mary expecting him to just do something.

What was water like in those days and why would the wine be so good?

Water, a most amazing inorganic compound is essential for sustaining life. Water is life giving. When you become extremely thirsty, usually water is the only drink which will satisfy. It seems to taste even better in these circumstances. On the day of the wedding, the water may well have been warm, not necessarily as fresh as we are used to when we simply turn on a tap.

Like many of our weddings today, it is normal to serve wine as opposed to water. Wine at this wedding was certainly the preferred drink. The alcohol formed in the wine could serve to slow down the breeding of harmful bacteria.

Jesus showed His majesty in part of the order of creation. The hosts filled up barrels with water, Jesus declared that the water is wine, and so it was. The guests reasoned among themselves, why did they keep the best wine until later, why was this not served first of all?

There is clearly a difference in the quality of different wines. The process starts as the yeast in the skins of stored fruit starts to grow. It begins by consuming the sugar which is in abundance, so bubbling or fermentation begins. In the early stages, the juice is sweet and tingly as bubbles of carbon dioxide are formed. This is known as must. It is very low in alcohol. As the yeast takes hold, more sugar is consumed and the wine can eventually become quite bitter or dry. There also exists the complication later of bacteria eating into the alcohol and creating vinegar. Hence we have vinegar, which is essentially, sour wine.

What Jesus did was best, it was really good. His Heavenly Father is not a God of disappointment. He knew how the wine should be and was ready to give it. This miracle is analogous of life itself.

Water, is often described as tasteless and boring. Life can become dull and watery, that being hopeless, difficult and mundane. Jesus came to change all of this. Young forms of wine are beautiful, appetising, vibrant, refreshing and full of life. Wine is an ongoing process of growth, renewal and transformation. We drink the wine, representing the blood of Christ, we show our oneness with Him and each other. The work begun in our lives continues as we acknowledge the presence of Christ within.

The spiritual wine is poured in so that we can give it out. It is of no use if stored for years in unsterile conditions and has turned sour or bitter. "Go to the lonely and the sad, give them the news to make them glad" as the hymn writer says.

It's a story not to forget. There are periods where we seem so far from God, when the everyday worries of life seem to get on top of us and distract our thoughts. At this moment Mary knew who to turn to. She was not sure what the outcome might be but was confident enough to know whatever Jesus would do would be the right thing.

Was Mary was surprised at the end result? This is part of the excitement of the Christian faith - the unpredictability of God. When we come to him with open hands and hearts rather than a wish list, His response may not always as we expect, but it will always be the right one.

We have to be honest, go to him, admit that maybe we've miscalculated, made mistakes, whatever the problem might be - hand it over to him just like Mary was able to do. That's often the hardest part, handing over.

New wine is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on Acts 2, The crowds said, these men are drunk with wine, but No, they are filled with the Holy Spirit and their joy is immeasurable.

In these last days, difficult and complicated days, the prophet Joel said that God would pour out His Spirit on all people. The widest outpouring of God in His full goodness is the best wine, saved for the great wedding feast, when we shall be united with Him forever.