Reflection by Rev. Leonard N. Peterson
At whatever age we may be, certain words set up a certain excitement within us. This certainly occurs when we hear “Once upon a time.” We “sit up,” as it were, and start to pay attention. The story may be familiar to us, and there is a special joy if we are about to tell someone else the tale for the first time.
Such is the case with the simple line that the author of the fourth gospel uses in our hearing this weekend: “There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee.” Most of us know what’s about to unfold and we line up the characters as we imagine them. A pair of newlyweds, perhaps having overspent on their reception, are about to be caught up in embarrassment because the wine is running out. In those ancient days, wedding celebrations ran for several days. Even the best planning might miscalculate how much wine the guests might consume.
The look of fear in their eyes gets noticed by one special guest. It is the Mother of Jesus, a close friend of the host family. She in turn puts her Son on notice with a simple statement: “They have no wine.”
We note some ambiguity in Jesus’ response, so mindful was He of His Father’s game plan for the timing of His earthly mission. This was paramount in all His own decisions. Mary might be upsetting things.
Yet, there is that motherly power over a loving son, combined with a beautiful faith and trust, which finds her confidently telling the servers words that will turn out to be her valedictory address in all of Scripture: “Do whatever He tells you.”
Right then and there we have words to build a life on! Meanwhile the stewards brought the big stone jars of water forward, and when they were full of wine, it was a vintage with a taste that surprised the chief steward.
There are many possibilities for reflection in this beautiful story.
But I believe it is Mary’s command to the stewards that should be our takeaway. If only we could obey her words and do what Jesus wants of us 24/7/365! Not likely. But thanks be to God, we always have Mary’s help. And we also have the sacrament of Reconciliation with its fine-tuned graces.
Both will help us as our stories move along. For one day, we know not when, our stories will be a matter of “once upon a time.”
God love you and give you His peace.
Rev. Peterson’s Reading & Gospel Summary
Reading I: Isaiah 62; 1-5
The spokesman for God breaks a long silence and tells of the glory of the new Zion. There Christ will eventually reveal His glory to all the nations.
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11
Paul, discerning competition within the community about gifts, declares that while there are many gifts, all of them flow from the same Holy Spirit.
The Gospel: John 2: 1-11
This beautiful story presents the first of Jesus’ “signs.” These are Jesus’ miracles. Here John underscores Mary’s intercessory power. He also reminds his readers that it is the Father’s will that guides Jesus’ whole ministry.