READINGS: Isaiah 62: 1-5; Psalm 96; 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11; John 2: 1-11
The Wedding Feast at Cana
More than 20 years ago 18 pilgrims climbed into our tour bus. We were leaving Jerusalem with Sister Eileen Storey, SC, leading us onward to our first full day in Israel. We drove 15 miles, stopping at Jericho to buy some fruit for our journey. Back on the bus we traveled another 17 miles to what is now called the Franciscan Wedding Church at Cana where three couples from our group would renew their wedding vows. The excitement was palpable as we entered the church. The couples went up to the altar as we semi-circled around them and heard each pronounce their vows. It was glorious knowing we were near the spot where Jesus and Mary celebrated with their family and friends. We spent time toasting the couples with Cana wine and cookies, and then back into the bus to continue on to Nazareth.
Most of us have been to a wedding celebration of family and friends. And we know it is usually a joyful time for the couple as well as the guests. It is a time for good food and drink. One can just imagine what distress the lack of wine at that wedding feast could have caused the young couple and their families. Mary knew of Jesus’ mission and was able to say to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you to do….” Mary noticed the lack, but apparently the guests had not. One might say that is a mother’s touch!
Whether lay or religious, we know we are called to “proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all nations” and most importantly, to each of us, our families and our friends. We have been given the manifestation of the Spirit for a specific reason. Whether it is wisdom, faith, healing, mighty deeds, prophecy, discernment of spirits, interpretation of tongues, or babysitting grandchildren, it is one and the same Spirit that produces all of these, distributing them individually to each of us, knowing what we need. How powerfully reassuring this is for us! Our God will always give us the strength we need. We only need to ask.
–Peggy B Cekoric, SCNY Associate
Peggy B Cekoric is a wife, mother, and grandmother who formerly served as the first lay Director of Associates for the Sisters of Charity of New York.