Last Friday the Gospel reading was taken from chapter 2 of Mark's Gospel, concerning four men who lowered a paralytic through a roof opening, in order to see Jesus. I referred to these men as the friends of the paralyzed man, though we really so not know if this is true of not. But there is a communal dimension here as the four work to bring this man to Jesus based in the hope and expectation that Jesus might be able to help him.
See, the four men realize that the paralytic has no wine. The Cana narrative is about a wedding and a covenant relationship. Isaiah proposes that those who are returning to the covenant, and determine that their relationship with God should be like the covenant, will enjoy a marriage-like relationship with God and their brothers and sisters. The sacrament of marriage reflects the union of God with humanity. When we share in that unity we discover God.
Just as Mary indicates to Jesus the lack of wine, true disciples are able to recognize where there is a lack of joy, hope, respect, or dignity of love. Just as married couples seek the goodness of the other, when we live the covenant we recognize where there is hurt and injury - and strive to bring resolution. St. John reminds us that 'God is love,' and to 'live in God is to live in love.'
So we are a people who are to be called 'espoused,' and a 'delight.' But to reach that point we have to have the ability to approach Jesus and do what he tells us to do.
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