John 2:1-11 (NRSV)
Read John 2:1-11 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 2On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Verse 2Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. Verse 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." Verse 4And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." Verse 5His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." Verse 6Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Verse 7Jesus said to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. Verse 8He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward." So they took it. Verse 9When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom Verse 10and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now." Verse 11Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Devotion
I’m fascinated by the interaction between Jesus and Mary in today’s Gospel. Mary tells Jesus that the wine at the wedding party has run out. Jesus seems to ignore her, saying that his hour has not yet come. Yet Mary just knows that Jesus is going to do something, so she tells the servants to be ready to do whatever Jesus says. Sure enough, Jesus addresses the problem and makes more wine.
The story is a precious little insight into the relationship of Jesus and Mary. Mary, with the love and insight of a mother, has a special understanding of her son.
A famous Catholic scholar once remarked that he feared the Catholics made too much of Mary, while the Protestants have paid her too little attention. Whatever our thoughts and understandings of Mary are, this story provides a beautiful insight into one of the precious relationships of our Lord.
Prayer
Holy God, teach us to value our families. Our husbands, wives, children, parents, siblings—help us to love those who are closest to us. Amen.