It's not clear that Jesus set out intending to perform his first sign at the wedding in Cana. But Jesus WAS INVITED...AND he encountered a situation of scarcity – a trivial one to be sure, but one that the servants were willing to act upon, to do whatever Jesus said to fix. So Jesus made a huge ABUNDANCE of wine – the premium stuff...approximately 50 cases worth. Jesus made an abundance of wine so HUGE, there was zero chance of running out again. Because in the kingdom of God, it is ABUNDANCE that is normal. In Christ's death and resurrection, there is ABUNDANT forgiveness of sins – with the exception of the mortal sin of rejecting the Holy Spirit, there is forgiveness for ANY sins ANY size. In Christ's body and blood, there is ABUNDANT nourishment for our souls, we are ASSURED of his presence with us. And in baptism, we are called to participate in the ABUNDANT life – the life that has zero chance of running out on us...ever.
I'm pretty sure that none of us go out into the community, intending to perform a miracle. But if we invite Jesus to come with us, and he encounters some situation of scarcity...AND we are willing to do whatever he says as his servants...we may see him transform that scarcity into abundance. Most times, Jesus will use us as witnesses to abundance – to show people how what they think is scarcity, isn't real. And some times, Jesus will use us as instruments to abundance – to provide people what they need out of the abundance we have already received. PARTICULARLY, from our abundance of HOPE. Hope - even for sinners who think their sins are too large to be forgiven. Hope - even for people who think they've lost the only good job they'll ever have. Hope - even for churches whose attendance is dropping. There is an abundance of hope, because Jesus is with us. And with Jesus, abundance is normal.
Gracious God, we thank you for your abundant love for us in sending your Son Jesus. Help us to be ambassadors of the abundance of your kingdom, in Jesus' name, amen.