“Preparing ourselves for the Great Wedding Feast by seeking the intercession of our Queen- Mother Mary, and being obedient to the commandments of the Lord!”

(Based on Isa 62:1-5, 1 Cor 12:4-11 and Jn 2:1-11 – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C)

There is a story of a poor farmer.
The only possession he had was a plantain grove.

Once, his only son fell seriously sick.

He did not have the required money to treat his son.
Desperation grew stronger, and hopes were getting diminished!

His wife advised him: “Why don’t we try to approach our King and seek his financial assistance? Hopefully, he will help!”

“Hmm… that is a good suggestion,” said the farmer, “but what shall we present him, when we go to meet him? We surely can’t go empty-handed!”

They both went to their plantain grove.

Unfortunately, there were only three plantains!
“How can we give this cheap present to the King,” sadly exclaimed the wife.
“He may even get angry with us”, commented the farmer.

Finally, faced with no choice, they thought about another idea – “they would meet the Queen-Mother of the King”

So they went, in fear, yet with hope, approaching the mother of the King.

They presented her the three plantains as a gift to the King and informed her of their serious problem.

That night, the mother, placed the three plantains, in a golden plate, full of precious stones.

When the King saw the plantains, which were placed amid the fine jewels, he was impressed.

He enquired who gave it – and the problem of the farmer and his sick child was informed.

The King called the farmer, and being pleased with him, gave him much wealth and land!

Similar is the work of our Blessed Mother, the Queen-Mother of our Blessed Lord.

She presents our problems and difficulties to the Lord, and provides consolation and strength in our moments of distress.

The narrative of the marriage feast at Cana stands at the beginning of Our Lord’s public ministry.

Mary was present. Jesus and His disciples were also invited.

Amid the festivities, Mary observes that the wine has failed, and, foresees the embarrassment which the bridal pair were sure to be exposed, and tells: “They have no wine!” (Jn 2:3)

This statement not only presents the reality of what happened at the wedding at Cana, but is in fact, a story of our own lives – of moments and times in our lives “when the wine runs short!”

All of us have our own story to tell of the day or of the times, when the “wine ran out!”
… maybe at the death of our loved one or the loss of friendship or of disturbances in marriage
… maybe the disappointing search for acceptance, care and understanding from others
… maybe our despairing hunt for meaning in life or the fear to encounter uncertainty of the future
… maybe moments of financial crunch or social abandonment or being a victim of gossip and ill-talk

The list goes on – of moments and situations – when the “wine ran out!”

And despite all our good intentions, hard work and efforts, we are unable to refill the jars!

Our lives only remain as jars with water that is “filled up to the brim!” (Cf. Jn 2:7)

We realise that by ourselves, we are limited and our human efforts will be insufficient!

We realise that the faster we recognise the illusion of self-sufficiency, the greater we begin to depend on God’s Grace and His Holy Providence.

This is where our Blessed Mother’s intercessory role plays a significant role

She presents the diagnosis of our state of life to Her Beloved Son, and directs the servants to do the Will of His Son – “Do whatever he tells you!” (Jn 2:5)

Mary’s concern for every human person and our situation is unequivocal here.

She comes to the help of human needs, and brings those needs to the attention of Jesus.
She stands “between her Son and humankind in the reality of their wants, needs, and sufferings!”

At Cana, Mary does not tell Jesus what to do!

As a Mother, she points out to Her Son, the things which must be done, and leaves everything to His Will and Decision!

In Mother Mary, we can ‘send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears” and pray to Her, the most gracious advocate, “to turn Her eyes of mercy towards us!”

Yes, we need to offer all our concerns and uncertainties into the hands of our Blessed Mother!

As St Maximilian Kolbe says, “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did!”

Let us prepare ourselves for the Great Wedding Feast which will take place on “The Third Day” (Cf Jn 2:1) – the Day of our Resurrection – by seeking the intercession of our Queen- Mother Mary, and being obedient to the commandments of the Lord!

The best wine is waiting…!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE COMMUNION OF THE CHURCH OF HEAVEN AND EARTH

The three states of the Church. “When the Lord comes in glory, and all his angels with him, death will be no more and all things will be subject to him. But at the present time some of his disciples are pilgrims on earth. Others have died and are being purified, while still others are in glory, contemplating ‘in full light, God himself triune and one, exactly as he is”‘

All of us, however, in varying degrees and in different ways share in the same charity towards God and our neighbours, and we all sing the one hymn of glory to our God. All, indeed, who are of Christ and who have his Spirit form one Church and in Christ cleave together. (CCC # 954)