Second Sunday of Epiphany

1 Corinthians 12.1–11 John 2.1–11

Today the all the readings are about discovery. In the gospel reading we share in the wedding at Cana of Galilee with Jesus and his disciples. It's a well-known story of running out of wine and the miracle of changing wine into water. In the epistle reading we're looking at gifts of the Holy Spirit being given to us all at the wish of the Holy Spirit. It is a gift to be used for the good of all people.

Back to Cana in Galilee. The wedding rights were longer affairs. All together much longer celebrations than we are used to in the church. They were also attended by many more guests than we are used to. To drink their way through the organised and purchased wine and then make a start of, potentially 20 or 30 gallons (160 to 180 pints of wine) is some drinking party. One can only assume that the alcohol content was not very large as it is quite probable that wine was the daily drink.

This wedding was the launching point for Jesus as he performed the first of his signs revealing his glory. It was through this revelation that the disciples believed in him, believed his true nature.

Turning to the epistle reading the actions of the Holy Spirit are being explained. We may go through life happy in the knowledge that we are particularly good, adept even, at playing the piano. How, if put in front of a piano, we can be the life and soul of a party as we bash out well known and loved tunes for people to sing to or dance along to.

It is good to be able to look at how others are especially good in other ways. One may be especially gifted at public speaking whilst another may be skilled in predicting what will happen in the future. All of these are manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Given just as the Holy Spirit chooses. We cannot go through life and select a gift as if it were on a supermarket shelf. The gift is given to us. It is up to us to recognise that gift and to use it to the best advantage, not of ourselves, but to everyone.

It is these gifts that strengthens the Church. We are all different, we have our own individual likes and dislikes. The Church is the Body of Christ. As members of the Church, we are also members of the Body of Christ. Each of us, in our own individual ways, brings that individuality into the Church. We lay ourselves down before God. In doing so we are bringing before God the gifts bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit. Together, all of these gifts are granted to us, not for our own glory, not for us to place ourselves upon some pedestal. But they are given to us for the good of the whole of mankind.

As these gifts are given to us by God then it is only right that we should use them in his service. The list of gifts given in the epistle reading are all very admirable in their own way. But that list is not exhaustive. Many are the trades and skills of people the world over who become especially proficient in what they do. They have their special gift, given by God, which enables them to forge ahead, to display a mastery in their field.

The gifts spread among us are for us to discern. We do not have them given to us with a label attached. When we have developed and recognised a particular skill then it is to be used to the glory of God. In using that skill to help and assist others is demonstrating that love of God.

Collect for the Second Sunday of Epiphany

Almighty God,

in Christ you make all things new:

transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,

and in the renewal of our lives

make known your heavenly glory;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.