A beautiful winter's morning and a large congregation had gathered at St. Mary's for the Eucharist on the fourth Sunday after Epiphany. The service was in the care of Rev. Michael John and began with the processional hymn, 'Praise my soul the King of Heaven.' The collect was followed by the morning's readings. Mr. Wilf Hardy gave the first reading from the Book of Isaiah and Mrs. Julie Watts read the second from Paul's first Letter to the Corinthians. The third reading from the Gospel of John was given by Rev. Michael. He related the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. Michael then delivered his well-considered and thought-provoking sermon and took this reading as his text. 'A very religious' Aunty asks her nephew if he goes to Sunday School. "Yes I do, and our lesson was about Jesus going to a wedding and he turned water into wine." "What did you learn from this?" aunty asks. The nephew replied: "If you're having a wedding, make sure Jesus is there." This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus gave, when he revealed his glory. He took what was mundane and obvious and changed it into something fragrant and ripe with the fullness of joy. As we prepare for Lent and put our trust in Jesus Christ, he will transform all and give it a new taste - something to savour. At the offertory we receive the gifts of bread and wine, and in receiving these gifts and presenting ourselves to God, we can be transformed to something more. During Lent and Holy Week we can focus on God, who is a source of abundance and generosity. The message from the wedding in Cana was that water was changed into 180 gallons of the best wine and in the 23rd Psalm - 'my cup overflows.' We are drawn towards his passion, drawn towards a table - the wine represents his blood, which was shed in the most generous moment to save the world. On reading this extract from John, we feel a little tension between Jesus and his mother Mary. She asks him to do something to help, as the wine has run out. He replies: "What concern is that to you and me? My hour has not yet come." This triggers something in Jesus, he is not ready to start his ministry. These words draw us to his passion and crucifixion and draw us to that defining hour and his death. He is not quite ready, a bit tired, but he does respond at this point of need. When we respond to the need asked of us, it becomes so much richer and fuller. Our Saviour shows us how to respond and we must model ourselves on this example. "Do whatever he tells you," Mary says to the stewards at the wedding. This is what we must do and he will transform us in the same way and lead us to the Kingdom - the best is yet to come. The offertory hymn was 'Dear Lord and Father of Mankind'. Rev. Michael invited all to join in communion with our risen Lord. During communion, the choir sang 'Jesus is the dark world's light'. Mr. John Gleed led morning prayers. The final hymn was 'Christ is the world's true light'. The induction of the new Rector, Rev. Andrew Davies, will take place on Tuesday, February 19 - all are welcome. Tomorrow (Saturday), there will be a coffee morning at Church House in aid of Plant Dewi. Will all box holders please bring their boxes. On Sunday, there will be a Candlemas Service of Light at St. Mary's at 6 pm.
