Mary takes the initiative in Cana
Picture
The Marriage at Cana in Visoki Dečani Monastery, Kosovo, 14th Century
Reflection
A great story only to be found in John’s Gospel. Here Jesus, his mother and the disciples have gone to celebrate with two families at a wedding, when, to the embarrassment of the host, the wine runs out. Mary is quick to notice the problem. Although Jesus shows reluctance to do anything she puts him on the spot and tells the servants to ‘do what he tells you’ – he has to do something.
What does the way Mary acts say about her and the relationship between her and her son?
Our music today is from a Jewish wedding Such celebrations have probably not changed much from the time of Jesus. Can you imagine Jesus and the disciples joining in the singing and dancing?
Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. You may wish to share in the joy of a wedding celebration.
Setting: Imagine you are a character in this story, you have a lot to choose from. See the scene from the point of view of the person you feel you would like to be. How far do you see what is happening? What sort of atmosphere do you imagine there was at the wedding?
John 2:1-10
The third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there.
Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the wedding.
When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.”
Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me?
My hour has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”
Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metres apiece.
Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.
He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it.
When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!”
Conversation: When you have finished imagining the scene and you have spent time in quiet contemplation, take a little time to talk to Jesus or Mary as a friend about whatever comes to you. Imagine how they might reply.
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father or Hail Mary.
Music
Music is from an Israeli wedding group dancing Temani
More Israeli folk music on Amazon UK