In 1933, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released the film “Dinner at Eight,” a light-hearted portrayal of the uncertainties and deprivations experienced by all strata of society during the Great Depression. 

The film depicted the trials and tribulations, real and imagined, of the hosts, guests, and household staff who were invited to participate in a formal dinner party scheduled at 8:00 p.m. on a Friday evening.  Some of the characters in the movie struggled with the poor state of the economy, some with the poor state of their health, others with the poor state of their relationships, and still others with the poor state of their careers.  The film concluded with most of the intended participants setting aside their worries and problems in order to enjoy one another’s company at the dinner party. 

Sharing a good meal with good company is such a comforting experience that even difficult circumstances do not lessen the enjoyment of it.  The film’s complex plot intended to illustrate both the lasting value of companionship and the impermanent value of material wealth.  I’m sure the film provided real consolation to those who struggled with the hardships of the Great Depression.  The conscious choice for camaraderie by the hosts and guests invited to “Dinner at Eight” provides a way to understand today’s Gospel reading, as well. 

While it is common for various Scripture commentators to express differing opinions about a single text of Scripture, today’s Gospel reading stands out for the sheer variety of opinions it has elicited.  The numerous opinions about this text run the gamut from sublime to ridiculous. 

Traditionally, the story of the wedding feast at Cana was used as a proof text to demonstrate the sacramentality of Marriage; it can’t.  Some commentators say that the story intends to endorse modern Marian piety by illustrating Mary’s influence over Jesus and his ministry; it doesn’t. Others say that the lack of wine was caused by Jesus and his disciples, either by their over-consumption or their failing to bring a gift of wine for the host; it wasn’t.  Still others point to the baptismal overtones in the story’s reference to Jewish purification rituals; the evidence supporting this is secondary to the story’s primary meaning.   

This story contains quite a variety of details provided by the Gospel author, and it is the variety of details that leads to the variety of interpretations of this text.  Some of those details are central to the story while others are not.  The details that are central to the story are the details that pertain directly to the wedding banquet: there was a shortage of wine, Jesus replaced something of lesser value (water) with something of greater value (wine), and he did this for the benefit of the host and guests.   

The Gospel author stated clearly the primary meaning of the story.  Summarizing the event, he wrote, “Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.” (Jn 2:11) 

The transformation of water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana is the first of seven miracles in John’s Gospel that serve both to validate Jesus’ status as the Savior sent by God and to illustrate the meaning of his teaching.  This first miracle occurred immediately after Jesus had called the first of his disciples to follow him.  It was their introduction to Jesus’ ministry, the first instruction they would receive about his eventual death, and a foreshadowing of the missionary work they would undertake eventually. 

These three meanings mentioned above are alluded to in the reference to the revelation of Jesus’ “glory.”  In John’s Gospel, the “glory” of Jesus is seen in his crucifixion.  The crucifixion is “glory” because, in his death, Jesus conquered sin and death in the way that great military leaders in the ancient world conquered their foes.  This story teaches the reader about Jesus’ victory over the intractable enemy of human nature and, surprisingly, it’s set within the context of a dinner party. 

Like the participants in the “Dinner at Eight,” the participants in this wedding celebration were able to put aside their cares and worries in order to celebrate appropriately a joyful event, but they were able to do so solely because of Jesus’ miraculous intervention. When we read this story, the Gospel author expects us to be reminded of the many references in the Scriptures that portray salvation as a joyful banquet. 

The wedding feast at Cana is one of the Scriptures’ many uses of the metaphor of the Messianic Banquet.  The Messianic Banquet metaphor described God’s offer of salvation as being like the experience of a peaceful, convivial formal dinner at which everyone enjoys one another’s company.  Jesus’ miracles portray this offer of salvation and proclaim that it is granted to those who put their faith in Jesus as Savior (Messiah). 

Like the participants in the “Dinner at Eight,” some effort is required of us to gather together in peace and joy.  We struggle with the poor state of the world and the poor state of our own trustworthiness, but the struggle is worth the effort because it is our only possibility for peace with God and reconciliation with one another.  Unlike the characters in the movie, however, our struggle isn’t temporary; it requires a lifelong commitment to be faithful to Jesus’ teachings. 

The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is a representation in microcosm of the life of faith; it presents us with both God’s offer of salvation and the means by which we accept that offer.  In the Eucharistic feast, we see Jesus’ glory, his faithfulness to God and our human nature.  Then, we are invited to share in Jesus’ sacrifice so that we might share in his resurrection.  The life of faith and the worthy celebration of the Eucharist are somewhat similar to attending a dinner party insofar as more is required than merely one’s physical presence.  True faith in God and faithful prayer require setting aside one’s worries and concerns, finding consolation in the company of fellow believers, and accepting God’s offer of reconciliation and peace. 

All are invited to the table of God’s mercy.  Those who accept God’s invitation find more than temporary respite from life’s struggles; they find victory over sin and death.