“Do whatever he tells you.”

2019년 1월 19일

According to the gospel of John, the first miracle Jesus performed was not curing a leper, exorcising a demon or raising someone from the dead. Rather, it was changing water into wine at a wedding in Cana to order to save the bride and groom from embarrassment. Yet, as with most things in John’s gospel, this very simple and human story is rich in symbolism and hidden meaning.

Superficially (and somewhat tongue-in-cheek) we can say the lesson was to never invite thirteen bachelors to a wedding, or you’re sure to run out of wine. Could it be that the Blessed Mother was simply telling Jesus, “Look, you guys have drunk enough. There’s no more wine.” That would certainly explain Jesus’ somewhat abrupt reply, “Woman, what has that to do with you and me.” Scholars point out this was a polite way for Jesus to say, “That’s none of your business.” But the response of the Virgin Mary to this is as simple as it is profound: “Do whatever he tells you.” These are the very last words of the Virgin Mary to be recorded in the gospels.

But beyond that, from this biblical passage arises the Catholic practice of asking the Blessed Mother to intercede for us. Notice, Mary doesn’t tell Jesus what to do. Instead, she tells him about the situation. As I stated above, this was hardly a matter of life and death. In all probability, Mary was helping out with the wedding banquet. For the wine to run out would be a big embarrassment and serious loss of face for the bridal couple. “My hour has not yet come,” was Jesus saying it was not yet the time to reveal himself as the Messiah and Son of God.

But Jesus takes over, instructs the servants to fill the jugs with water, and behold! not only has the water now become wine, but a very good vintage! Let us therefore never hesitate to bring our wants and needs to the Lord in prayer. And let’s never hesitate to enlist the help of the Virgin Mary to let Jesus know our requests. But above all, let us always do whatever he tells us.

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