Miracle at Cana Gospel Reflection

John 2:1-11

Running out of wine would have been a tremendous blow to the groom's family (the traditional hosts of a public wedding feast at that time). More than an embarrassment, it would have severely damaged their reputation. John's Gospel doesn't say how Mary & Jesus knew the family. Perhaps She was a close friend of the groom's mother, as She was portrayed in the series, The Chosen? Maybe She was a distant relative of either family? However She came to be a guest at the wedding, She became aware of the wine shortage & knew Her Son could be of assistance.

"Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come."

Now, how many of us mothers would allow our children to speak to us in what sounds to be such a disrespectful tone? I can hear my own mother's response if I spoke to her in that manner -- "Your hour will come when I say & that hour is NOW!"

So, what "hour" is Jesus talking about here? Time to begin His public ministry? Time to fulfill His earthly purpose? How about both?

The miracle Jesus performed during the wedding at Cana, changing the jars of water into wine, is often considered the beginning of His public ministry. Up to that point, He was putting His team together -- calling His disciples to follow Him. This miracle served as a catalyst to affirm their belief that He truly WAS the Messiah. 

"Jesus did this as the beginning of His signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed His glory, and His disciples began to believe in Him." (John 2:11)

This also serves as a sign for the shedding of His blood for our sins. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: 

"The sign of water turned into wine at Cana already announces the Hour of Jesus' glorification. It makes manifest the fulfillment of the wedding feast in the Father's kingdom, where the faithful will drink the new wine that has become the Blood of Christ." (CCC #1335)

I love that last part, "...where the faithful will drink the new wine that has become the Blood of Christ." Our earthly lives are full of inferior, mediocre things that will never completely fulfill our deepest longing. In our Heavenly lives, we will be partaking of the good wine -- the best of the best -- Jesus!

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