The wedding feast of Cana makes us aware of the time line in the lives of the Holy Family. There is no mention of Joseph, Mary has been invited and Jesus is there with his disciples. So Jesus is now in his ministry but has not worked any miracles.
We are not given many conversations between Jesus and his mother in the gospels. But the approximate 20 years between the finding of Jesus in the Temple and this account at Cana shows remarkable growth, understanding and wisdom on behalf of Mary. In the Temple she says, “Son why have you done this to us?’ On this occasion, she is not entering into any conversation on the matter of the wine. She just makes the firm and strong statement to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Jesus also, does not wish to take up the matter and just does what he mother has said to the servants.
From what we hear in the gospel this would be the first time that Jesus has worked a miracle, as he said to his mother, ‘My time has not yet come.’ Well I think Mary was saying it has just arrived.
We are given some wonderful insights into Mary and her understanding of her own role and the role of her son. A woman who has grown so much through faith and prayer to be a woman of such wisdom and insight.
Jesus response to change so much water into wine, obviously much more than was required; reminds us that when he responds in doing things for us he is most generous in giving us more than we need. Much more to be share and bestowed on others.
Mary’s insightfulness in seeing that there was a problem and wishing to save the bridegroom’s family from a very embarrassing situation. She knew where the answer to the problem could be found.
This reminds us that she, as a mother to us, is always mindful of her children and knows when we are in need of help. Our gospel is the perfect example of how she intercedes for us – by seeing a problem and seeking the answer from her Son.
This gospel passage also helps us to understand while seeing Mary in the correct relationship and position to her Son and her relationship to us.
This approach is supported by a lovely saying I have which you find helpful.
‘May Mary be at the crossroads of your life.
And point you in the direction of her Son.’
Mary’s quote to the servants also applies to us, as we are servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ The servants did and they didn’t think they were doing anything great but look what he did with their little help.
Fr Michael Morley
Parish Priest
1st February 2019
