WATCHWORD:
1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” 5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:1-5
Meditation:
Do What He Tells You
Notice how that passage began; ‘The next day’. What happened that was important enough to note? We don’t really know, but what we do know is that Jesus had just returned from his travels to the Jordan River where he was baptized by John. He arrived in Nazareth with some of his disciples: His ministry had started. Now they were on to the wedding party, and it was there that Mary’s instructions were instrumental in moving Jesus to act, keeping the wine flowing and the party going.
There was something very similar in what Mary said to the stewards: “Do what he tells you”, words that echoed the words of God just months before, there on the Jordan at Jesus’ baptism: “This is My beloved son, listen to him.“
What do we make of this confirmation? Was it just for those present, for those who heard and saw the miracle of water turned into wine? For who was this sign presented? Was it just Andrew and James? Was it for Mary who had already had visitations from the angels, and she knew who Jesus was and is. Was it for the stewards?
Of course, it is a sign for us, as well. Mary tells us to do what the Messiah tells us to do, to follow his commandments, to follow the movements of the Holy Spirit that he has given to each one of us. In truth this is a guiding principle for Christian faith, the great mystery of our faith, the way to the glory of life, eternal life.
Interesting point: There on the Mount of Transfiguration, God repeated words similar to those spoken by Mary. The disciples were confused because of the presence of Moses and Elijah: The voice of God spoke — “This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.“
To follow Jesus means to listen to Him and follow. Nothing less, nothing more. Listen to Him. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
Help us Lord to listen and turn our eyes upon Jesus, to look full in his wonderful face, for we know that the things of our lives that give us trouble will grow strangely dim, in the light of Your glory and grace. With gratitude. Amen.
