“The Wedding at Cana” by Jen Norton. 24×30″ Acrylic on canvas, $3600.
Hope in the promise of God’s kingdom always involves a leap of trust for the fearful human heart. It means walking forth in spite of adversity, getting comfortable with vulnerability and desiring the good of the other. I am not surprised that Jesus’ first miracle occurred at a wedding. Living out the sacrament of marriage also involves these three qualities. In our modern times, where marriage is questioned and abandoned, it is no surprise that God’s kingdom seems more distant than ever.
[Hoping…in God’s Kingdom] means walking forth in spite of adversity, getting comfortable with vulnerability and desiring the good of the other.
My latest artwork—one I’ve been wanting to paint for a long time—is the “Wedding at Cana” from John 2:1-11. You know how the story goes: Mary and Jesus are at a wedding. The family runs out of wine partway through the festivities and Mary intercedes. The servants fill the clay jugs and Jesus turns all the regular water into wine so exquisite that the head waiter’s praise of it is forever enshrined in scripture. It’s a great story on the surface; it’s even more meaningful as you meditate on the details:
- The wedding occurs on “the third day,” a symbol for the resurrection.
- Jesus’ mother is there and brings the concerns of the young couple and the family to Jesus’ attention. She asserts the necessity and timing of his effort within the Will of God. She continues to intercede on our behalf when we ask in prayer.
- Mary tells the unnamed servers (stand-ins for us!) do “Do whatever He tells you.”
- The ceremonial stone vessels are to be filled with water, the ulitimate life-giving substance. I read this to also illustrate the importance of time in prayer and receiving the sacraments to our stony hearts.
- The servants are to fill the jars to the brim: there is no room for anything else!
- The headwaiter does not know the origin of this wine, but can attest to its quality.
- The bridegroom is acknowledged for saving the best wine for last. Again, I read this is the fruit of our desire to follow Christ.
A true wedding and a marriage is an act of resistance against a violent and self-centered world. It is a defiance of the popular for the hope of the true. And it is a life-long, letting go, learning and unlearning sacramental relationship with God. When you walk down the aisle, you think it is only about you and your spouse. But really, you are there to make each other more holy, more ready for Heaven. You are building something eternal, where the best wine will be kept for last.
These are just some of my thoughts. What other hidden mysteries are revealed for you in this story?
This original painting is available at The Sacred Art Gallery. Prints and gifts available in my Etsy, Fine Art America and Pixels shops.
