Passage of the Day:
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.[b] 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” 11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him, John 2:1-11.
Reflection:
First century Jewish wedding receptions could last up to a week. Wedding guests expected a few days of celebrating with food and drinks. Based upon John’s account of this wedding reception, these parties would end once all the food and wine were consumed. Since Jesus’ mother Mary was close friends with the parents hosting this reception, she didn’t want this couple’s reputation tarnished as cheap and unprepared. Only 6 of 12 disciples had been called at the time of this wedding which explains Jesus initially response, “my time has not yet come.” However, Mary was consumed with fortitude, refusing to take no for an answer. Mary trusted Jesus who not only turned water into wine, but this wine was the best of the best.
Prayerful Action:
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man, Luke 2:51-52.
Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:
The context of the above passage takes place when Jesus is 12 years old. Rather than travel back to Nazareth with his family, Jesus stayed in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple for the first time. While there is no mention of a Bar mitzvah, Jesus became a man in the Jewish faith. Joseph and Mary returned to Jerusalem, retracing their steps to find their son. Subsequently, upon returning home, Jesus promised to be obedient to his parents. In a sense, Mary was like the mother of a real-life Superman. Mary noticed a spiritual difference in Jesus, but didn’t quite understand what to do. However, in a time a need, Jesus obeyed His mother and saved the reputations of their family friends. Mary demonstrated spiritual guts by trusting in Jesus to save the day.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
Water into Wine is one of the inspirational songs in college that I turned to when I was in need of a miracle. May the lyrics of today’s song stir your soul and inspire you to seek fortitude this September.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 