Last Saturday, the Gospel reading was from John, it was the wedding at Cana, which was our wedding Gospel reading. The main reason why we chose this Scriptural passage was because Mother Mary features as one of the key protagonists, apart from Jesus himself. Also, this mystery, the Second Luminous Mystery, is one of the signs we received as confirmation that we consider marriage so wedding at Cana is a very special Word for us. Father Antony reminded us yet again, last Saturday, why this Gospel is rich.
First, it features an unusual way for the Saviour to begin His ministry of redeeming the world. Instead of a significant event that would have caught everyone's attention, Jesus chose to manifest His divinity in a very domestic and loving way, and all because He wanted to please His mother, who was attempting to save a bridal couple from the embarrassment of having run out of wine at their wedding feast.
Mary, on the other hand, besides displaying a sensitivity to others' needs, is also full of faith and respectful of Her son. She wisely does not insist when He says the timing is not right, giving Him the necessary space to do what's right by instructing the servants to do whatever He tells them.
That Jesus did accede to His mother's wishes tells me that He listens to her, like a good son (hence making Mary a powerful mediatrix for us), and He also wants us to experience joy in our lives. He wants to transform life-giving water into something more delicious, and with a pleasurable kick in it. This extra something is sonship. As children of God, we can see him face to face, we can be familiar, intimate, completely reliant on Him for support when we need it. We actually do not need to worry so much in life even when beset with problems for He provides all the answers and takes care of us ultimately.
The antiphon after Communion from John chapter one echoes this gift of Cana: For all who would accept him, He gave them the power to be children of God.
The power is the gift of dignity, made in the image and likeness of the Father Himself, that engenders the ability to manage adversity, rejection, and suffering without breaking, or losing one's integrity, meeting hardship with the grace of unsinkable joy, lively hope, and unending love.
When we embody the dignity of who we are, and channel it correctly and appropriately, we communicate and perpetuate Epiphany to all we meet, that is, the physical manifestation of Christ living among us - and we sow healing, and revelatory life-changing experiences wherever we go. We are light bearers who emit a gentle and warm glow in a cold, hostile world, attracting people to Jesus.
The transformation of water into wine in quiet and discreet gestures also speaks of humility and selflessness; Christ, and His mother's, self-effacing yet most effective way of touching hearts and changing minds. Perhaps the best efforts of ours come when we strive to act out of divine love, continuing to be humble and self-giving, and leaving the rest to the Master Winemaker so that others can enjoy the bouquets and tastes enough to want a second glass, and another.
First, it features an unusual way for the Saviour to begin His ministry of redeeming the world. Instead of a significant event that would have caught everyone's attention, Jesus chose to manifest His divinity in a very domestic and loving way, and all because He wanted to please His mother, who was attempting to save a bridal couple from the embarrassment of having run out of wine at their wedding feast.
Mary, on the other hand, besides displaying a sensitivity to others' needs, is also full of faith and respectful of Her son. She wisely does not insist when He says the timing is not right, giving Him the necessary space to do what's right by instructing the servants to do whatever He tells them.
That Jesus did accede to His mother's wishes tells me that He listens to her, like a good son (hence making Mary a powerful mediatrix for us), and He also wants us to experience joy in our lives. He wants to transform life-giving water into something more delicious, and with a pleasurable kick in it. This extra something is sonship. As children of God, we can see him face to face, we can be familiar, intimate, completely reliant on Him for support when we need it. We actually do not need to worry so much in life even when beset with problems for He provides all the answers and takes care of us ultimately.
The antiphon after Communion from John chapter one echoes this gift of Cana: For all who would accept him, He gave them the power to be children of God.
The power is the gift of dignity, made in the image and likeness of the Father Himself, that engenders the ability to manage adversity, rejection, and suffering without breaking, or losing one's integrity, meeting hardship with the grace of unsinkable joy, lively hope, and unending love.
When we embody the dignity of who we are, and channel it correctly and appropriately, we communicate and perpetuate Epiphany to all we meet, that is, the physical manifestation of Christ living among us - and we sow healing, and revelatory life-changing experiences wherever we go. We are light bearers who emit a gentle and warm glow in a cold, hostile world, attracting people to Jesus.
The transformation of water into wine in quiet and discreet gestures also speaks of humility and selflessness; Christ, and His mother's, self-effacing yet most effective way of touching hearts and changing minds. Perhaps the best efforts of ours come when we strive to act out of divine love, continuing to be humble and self-giving, and leaving the rest to the Master Winemaker so that others can enjoy the bouquets and tastes enough to want a second glass, and another.
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