Occasionally circumstances point to the fact that God has a sense of humor. For example, I preach from the lectionary, so the scripture texts for any given Sunday have been pre-selected by a committee of scholars in another part of the country several years ago. How is it, then, that the Gospel lesson for this Sunday, a mere six days before my wedding, is found in the second chapter of John, which prominently features a wedding feast? Who knows, but I’m laughing.

It is an odd story as miracle stories go. No one in the story, with the exception of Jesus and possibly the disciples, seems to recognize the big picture. The servants just know about the water. We’re given no indication that they are aware of its transformation into wine. The steward only knows about the wine. We’re given no indication that he is aware of its more mundane origins. All most people seem to know for sure is that there are now 120 gallons of really good wine and the celebration can continue.

So what is the point of this quirky little story here at the beginning of John’s Gospel? What does it tell us that is important for us to know? That Jesus can do really cool party tricks? Probably not. That Jesus approves of weddings? Possibly, but probably not the central theme. It seems to me that the primary purpose this story serves in communicating the gospel message is found in the very last verse. “Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory...” (John 2:11) The word “glory” is a Gospel of John code word which refers to God’s presence in Jesus’ life. In John’s Gospel, Jesus does signs that point to this reality, not only in his own life, but in each of our lives and in the world around us. God is everywhere, just waiting for us to notice. And, in fact, not even waiting. Wonderful things happen even when we don’t notice.

The wedding feast continued and no one was even aware of what had happened, or, for that matter, even cared. There was good wine, good friends, an occasion for joyous celebration. Life was good and no one needed to look further. God doesn’t wait for us to “get it” before filling our lives with abundance. Jesus points us to this reality, but the party continues, not because Jesus is at the wedding, but because God is at the wedding, even when that presence goes largely unnoticed.

In telling us this story, John seems to be saying, “Look at what God does when we don’t notice. Imagine how full and rich and glorious it will be when we do pay attention.” And this is true not just for those extraordinary occasions in life like weddings, births, etc. It is also true for those most ordinary of occasions, such as dinner on a Thursday night, doing the laundry, paying the bills, kissing a child good night. God is always present. God is always bringing abundance to our lives. In the words of the Psalmist, “They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delight. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:8-9) That experience is not diminished when we don’t notice, but it is certainly enhanced when we do.

So, the next time you are at a wedding feast (which might be very soon), take a moment to notice who is there. The bride and the groom will be easy to spot. Other guests of honor will include family and friends from near and far. Everywhere you look you will see people laughing and smiling, eating and dancing. But keep looking, because someone else is there as well. Perhaps you will catch of glimpse in the face of a friend you haven’t seen in ages. Or in meeting someone you’ve only heard stories about. You may hear an echo in the music or see a glimmer in the joy of the dancing. The love shining in the eyes of the newlyweds will certainly offer a reflection. Indeed, no matter where you look you will discover evidence of this unseen presence. And it will be a joy-filled celebration even for those who are never aware of anything more than the food and the music and the smiling faces of those who are gathered together. But imagine the added sense of joy when you become aware that God is at the party too. Imagine how much better the food will taste, how much sweeter the cake will be, how much more marvelous the music will sound, how much more lively the dancing will seem, when God’s presence is there to enhance the experience. Not just there in theory. Not merely in some abstract sense. But really there. Recognizable, if we will look for it. Tangible, if we will open ourselves to the possibility.

Guess who else is coming to the wedding. And to the rest of life as well.