Jesus goes to a wedding.
Jesus was involved in the daily lives of people. As "God with us" Jesus wanted to be engaged fully in the life
of God's human creation. In this luminous mystery we see Jesus attending a happy affair, the wedding of two people in
commitment to each other for " richer or poorer, better or worse, sickness or health,"
Jesus' mother was there.
The Gospel writer intentionally tells us that Mary was there. This is not merely for our information, rather, Mary's
presence is highlighted. Since so little mention of her involvement in Jesus' life is revealed, this mention takes on
great signifcance and therefore calls for our attention.
Mary said to Jesus, " they have no wine."
Mary's attention is toward Jesus as she informs him that the wedding may run out of wine. She intercedes. She
wants Jesus to do something.
Jesus says, "What does this have to do with me. My time is not come."
Many have preached that this is Jesus reprimand to his mother. Less stridently others have said that Jesus is reminding
her that she is not to bother him. But if either is true, then Jesus will have broken the fourth commandment, (to honor
your father and mother). So, this intercessor is not reprimanded but reminded.
Mary told the servants, "do what he tells you to do."
The reminder is taken and appreciated. Then Mary removes any attention from herself and points it directly at Jesus.
She has interceded but only Jesus can grant the object requested.
You have kept the best wine until now.
The attention is riveted on Jesus. The steward is talking about the newly
created wine but the gospel writer is refering to Jesus. Jesus will use wine to refer to his blood. He will give
it to the disciples to drink. The wedding at Cana foreshadows the crucifixion. On the cross Jesus gives his blood
for the life of the world. This blood is foreshadowed at the meal of the Eucharist. Even at Cana, the steward
unknowingly refers to the "wine of the new covenant" which is the "best" kept for last.
