Cana Wedding Reflection

     Last evening I shared these reflections as a part of my radio program on WAOB, 106.7 FM.  The program is an hour long  "reflection on Scriptures" that involves twelve mini-reflections on four passages of Scripture.  The following were on today's Gospel from the second chapter of John - the wedding at Cana.  For your prayerful reflection … 

     We turn to the 2nd chapter of the Gospel of Saint John where we read in the beginning: "There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.  Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding."
     We don't often find Jesus and his close friends in a setting other than that of travel and preaching or ministering to the needs of others.  But here we see them relaxing and letting their hair down on a "boys night out".  And the setting was a wedding.
     There is an image of the Church out there that portrays the Church as not being very fun loving.  But the reality is that the Church is about rejoicing and joy … about celebration.  There are moments when burdens weigh us down, but there are times where we are to celebrate.
     Call to mind some of those moments of joy and rejoicing that you have experienced and silently bask in that joy.

     We read in chapter 2 of John that Jesus attended a wedding celebration, presumably of friends.  Unlike our weddings where we often included strangers or acquaintances, I'm sure this was a celebration of the whole village or town.  The Church has always used this scriptural account to show the importance of married life and the blessings that God can bring into this new family life.  Jesus' presence and his first miracle seem to indicate the blessedness of the occasion.
     We have heard earlier in our reflections that God called his people to unity and oneness of heart and mind.  He has spoken of the blessings that come to those who join together in his name … as family … as community of faith … as Church.
     The blessings that he gives to each person, freely given and shared with another or with others, unites people and inspires them to bring forth new life and to build a home … a kingdom of peace and of joy.
     Recently we reflected upon the Holy Family … and were called to pattern our life in their image.  Like in marriage it requires love and commitment … giving and receiving blessings … and the presence of God leading us.
     Quietly welcome him into your celebration of life.

     We read in chapter 2 of John that Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana.
     They had run short, and the celebration was continuing.  When Mary became aware of this, she approached Jesus.
     We know the story … water jars used for washing and purification become the vehicles for water turned to wine for celebration and enjoyment.  And not only any wine, for we hear the steward tell the groom "you have kept the good wine until now."  And what a celebration - six water jars each containing twenty to thirty gallons … that is a lot of choice wine!
     Maybe this is the model for life:  in our establishing of ties that bind and relationships that create family and new life, we need to wash ourselves of self and open ourselves to others so that we can enter into the joy of the Lord.
     In a moment of quiet prayer, reflect upon your blessings in this life.