Do whatever he tells you

 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - 16th Year C January 2022

Gospel John 2: 1–11

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. When they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine’. Jesus said, ‘Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not come yet.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ There were six stone water jars standing there, meant for the ablutions that are customary among the Jews. Each could hold twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water,’ and they filled them to the brim. ‘Draw some out now’, he told them, ‘and take it to the steward.’ They did this; the steward tasted the water, and it had turned into wine. Having no idea where it came from – only the servants who had drawn the water knew – the steward called the bridegroom and said, ‘People generally serve the best wine first, and keep the cheaper sort till the guests have had plenty to drink; but you have kept the best wine till now.’

This was the first of the signs given by Jesus; it was given at Cana in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him.

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

As I come to pray, I try to find a measure of stillness in whatever way is best for me.

When I am ready, I read the gospel story, perhaps several times, until I am familiar with the words and phrases.

Putting aside the text, I try to place myself in the scene. I may like to sit with Jesus as he enjoys the crowded wedding party, hearing the sound of joyful voices, smelling and tasting the wonderful food and drink on offer, seeing the happiness of the wedding couple.

What is it like to sit with Jesus at the feast?

I notice my thoughts and feelings. What would I want to say or to ask him? I take time to listen to what he may say to me.

Then I listen to the conversation as Mary speaks with Jesus. What do I notice now? I stay with Jesus, watching as he instructs the servants. Maybe I speak with the Lord about what he is doing and why.

I imagine Mary as she turns to me. ‘Do whatever he tells you’, she says. What is Jesus asking of me today? What grace or help will I need? After a time, I end my prayer, expressing gratitude to God.

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