On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ John 2:1-5
Probably like many of you, this week I watched the news reports of Australian children lining up to get their first Covid vaccine jab. As the parents caressed their children’s heads gently as they waited in line it occurred to me that I was watching a great gesture of faith in action. That of the parents - faith that the advances in medical science and public health would help protect their loved children as they went about their normal life in the future. Faith that was worth the risk of vaccination. And trust and faith in the parents on behalf of the children that getting a needle, not something that they would look forward to, was going to help them in the long run. The children I saw looked remarkably upbeat about the whole process!
When ‘the mother of Jesus’ instructs Jesus to do something about the lack of wine at a wedding feast in Cana, the response of Jesus in some ways sounds like a child saying ‘no, I don’t want to!!’. Yet she persists and tells the stewards to ‘do what he says.’
Mary has faith in her son, she knows that he is able to perform the sign that will show that God is with him. And in the end, despite his initial objection, Jesus must have had faith in his mother, as he performs the sign. The sign that points to the God of wonderful, overwhelming generosity as the large barrels of water turn into the finest of wine for the gathered guests.
But rather than leading to the healthy future of her beloved son, Mary must have known that the performing of the sign, while it would draw followers and believers in the message of Jesus, would also draw unwelcome attention and condemnation. Both Mary and Jesus would have known what they were starting with the miracle at Cana. Yet, they both step out into the spotlight, with faith in their God, knowing the risks.
We have much to be grateful for in this mother’s action. Her ministry by her son’s side may have been sidelined and obscured by many centuries of ‘history’, but her action highlights that a journey of faith in God requires courage to face what may come. Not only for ourselves but those we love. And I acknowledge the faith in the loving parents and their children that I saw on my TV screen this week.
Blessings
Ceri
