In the present volume, Fr George focuses his attention on the Gospel of John, and specifically the marriage feast in Cana. This episode, at the beginning of the Gospel, offers a unique and important lens that brings into focus many themes that occur throughout the Gospel, climaxing in the the first of his signs manifesting his glory, the third day, the hour, the woman, the changing of water into wine, the best wine, and, of course, the marriage itself. Fr George offers us twelve meditations on different aspects of this episode, bringing to bear insight drawn from the Scriptures, the Fathers, Liturgy and its hymnography, modern theologians and scriptural scholars.
Outstanding if repetitive at times. These repetitions serve a purpose though, as each significant meaning in the sign is revealed, the repetition reminds of how the sign can reflect through all the layers of meaning. There is so much to unpack and a deep sense of responsibility has a husband and Orthodox Christian.
This book is what I would say is a "shotgun" method of writing - throwing absolutely every point, great or small you have to say about a topic - without trying to hit a pinpoint target. The author brings together an impressive array of writings, Protestant, Orthodox, Catholic, on the topic of the wedding at Cana, but it is brought together in word association fashion and moves from point to point without any particular plan, often repeating ideas in different chapters, or even offering contradictory ideas. There's a lot in the book, but I didn't appreciate the style at all.