Reflection on the Wedding Feast at Cana

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

January 16, 2022

The gospel of the wedding feast at Cana has always intrigued me. John called the miracle a “sign”, Jesus’ first sign…but I wonder what Mary thought…Mary, the attentive sensitive one…Mary, who went in haste to visit Elizabeth after the Annunciation…Mary, the guest at the wedding, who noticed the wine running short.  Were the women talking when, perhaps they wanted their goblets filled and the embarrassed waiter told them there was none left? 

The men at the wedding reception may have been enjoying their “cups running over,”  too busy with their important conversations to even notice, or even care that the wine was running out. But Mary knew…and she knew the newlyweds and their parents…and she knew her son…she knew as she and Joseph raised him, that he was bright, he was sensitive, he was obedient, even though at one point he was missing for three days and forgot to tell his parents that he would be staying in Jerusalem for a few extra days.

But know him she did, and she went to him. Just a few words, “They have no wine.”  Imagine the glimpses between them. “How is this my concern? It’s not my time yet…and Mary knew…and simply said to the wait staff…”Do whatever he tells you.”

What if Mary hadn’t noticed?  What if she hadn’t gone over to where the guys were gathering?  What if she hadn’t said “they have no wine.”

She was gentle…and firm…she was compassionate and forceful.  She simply saw what had to be done and did it. Just like she did when she visited Elizabeth…just like she did when she and others stood concerned outside the place where Jesus was preaching and so busy that he and his followers had no time to eat…just like she did at the foot of the cross and was given to John (and all of us) as a mother.

So, although Jesus did indeed perform “the first of his signs” at the wedding at Cana, I think we can rightfully muse that if it hadn’t been for Mary’s thoughtfulness, the reception could have been a disaster.

And what about us? Where do we dare to quietly enter into a difficult or uneasy situation…not necessarily with a solution but with kindness and compassion.

Paul talks about the gifts given for the greater good. Are we willing to both give the gifts that are ours as well as receive the gifts that others have to offer. This mutuality is a very important part of being fully human.

Let’s celebrate with the newlyweds, with Mary and Jesus and all the guests. Let us celebrate the gifts we have and the gifts that others have to offer. We each have our own wine to offer as well as the wine that others offer to us.  Enjoy the exchange!

Sister Karen R. Brink, OSB