Brief Summary
This video explores the symbolism within the wedding at Cana story in John 2, linking it to broader theological themes such as Christ as the bridegroom, the Church as his bride, and the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. It highlights the significance of the third day, the role of Mary, and the symbolism of water turned into wine.
- The wedding on the third day symbolises Christ's resurrection and his union with the Church.
- Adam and Eve are presented as a foreshadowing of Christ and the Church.
- Mary, referred to as "woman," reverses the curse brought about by Eve in Genesis.
- The transformation of water into wine represents the shift from the Old Covenant to the superior New Covenant established by Christ.
- The best wine being saved for last signifies that Christ's blood offers a superior rest compared to the rituals of the Old Testament.
The wedding on the third day: Christ and His bride
The wedding in John 2 took place on the third day, which is significant because it mirrors Christ's resurrection. Jesus is portrayed as the bridegroom, and the Church is his bride. This wedding is a symbolic representation of Christ, the bridegroom, celebrating with his bride, the Church, upon his resurrection on the third day.
Adam and Eve as a picture of Jesus and the Church
Adam and Eve serve as a representation of Christ and the Church. In Genesis, Adam recognises Eve as "flesh of my flesh, bone of my bones," and Paul in Ephesians 5:30-32 draws a parallel, stating that this reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church. Christ is seen as the last Adam, and the Church as the last Eve, reinforcing the symbolic connection.
Mary as the “woman”: reversing the fall
In John 2, Mary is referred to as "woman," a deliberate echo of Eve in Genesis 3. Unlike Eve, who led Adam to sin, Mary instructs Jesus, leading to a miraculous restoration. This act reverses the curse brought about by the first woman's disobedience. While the first woman caused man to sin by offering forbidden fruit, Mary prompts Jesus to perform a miracle, bringing blessing instead of a curse through the fruit of the vine (wine).
Water into wine: from old covenant to new
Jesus transforms water into wine, with the water originally held in six jars used for Jewish purification rituals. This transformation symbolises the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The wedding, occurring on the seventh day (the Sabbath), connects to the theme of rest. Jesus, unlike Adam, obeys God's will, and the miracle is performed in honour of Mary, further contrasting with the disobedience in Genesis.
The best wine saved for last: Christ’s blood and rest
The master of the feast notes that the best wine was saved for last, which is contrary to custom. This signifies that the New Covenant in Christ is superior to Judaism. The wine points to Christ's blood, which achieves what the Old Testament sacrifices could not: true rest. The six water jars represent the six days of work, while Christ's blood brings about the seventh-day Sabbath rest. Entering this rest is possible through Christ's death and resurrection, experienced by those who are part of his bride, the Church.
