CMP Review 2026-09-06

In Cana of Galilee, according to the Apostle John, Jesus “manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” It was His first sign: turning water into wine. After this dramatic passage, John’s next verse presents a striking contrast: “After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brethren and his disciples; and there they stayed for a few days.” Why after all this talk of glory and signs does the apostle describe time with family?

Indeed, “Why does John the Evangelist mention this?” asks Lawrence R. Farley.

Fr. Farley answers his own question: “By mentioning Jesus’ disciples as joining with His mother and brothers, John wants to make the point that discipleship to Christ means becoming part of His family. That is why, at the end of His ministry, Christ entrusts His Mother to the Beloved Disciple, John himself (19:26–27)—all who believe in Him are one family, and the closest of familial ties bind them all in one.”

Charlotte Mason saw some of this richness in an easy-to-overlook verse. She devoted a short poem to contemplate this family time, a time that invites us all to join in. Read or hear the poem here.

@artmiddlekauff

🖼️: Marriage at Cana by Paolo Veronese