Did you hear that? Jesus said: “Ask for whatever you want and it will be given you.” I wonder how many times he may have said that to his parents? Isn’t that the same directive Mary gave the wine servers at the wedding feast at Cana? This is May and May is traditionally the month of Mary.” As one author notes: “Many Christians (particularly Catholics) consecrate themselves to the virgin Mary … to become ‘another Mary for Jesus, a faithful, loving, and trusting companion of the Savior.” We see that trustful relationship between mother and Son at that wedding feast. It seems to me that’s a good message to ponder in the time and space we find ourselves in this week. “Do whatever He tells you.” [you may recall some of what comes next …]
The miracle at Cana has never ceased happening. Every moment of every day Christ pours himself into the empty jars of our lives. He is the GOOD WINE – extravagant, abundant, endless. We can’t understand how it happens. We don’t know how it happens. We only know that it does happen. We’ve experienced it and witnessed moments when death is turned into life, sorrow into joy, and despair into hope. We’ve been surprised when fear was transformed into courage and we’ve seen people do things they never thought possible. We’ve done what we thought was impossible! We’ve known moments when empty lives have been filled back up. So …
When the wine runs out and you are confused – but others are looking for answers – (recall what Mary told the wine servers) – DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
When the wine runs out, and troubles swirl about you so your head is a muddle … When COVID is raging and safety guidelines are restrictive, turn to our Savior who was constrained on a Cross … and, DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
When the wine runs out, and you know aridity and still you struggle to be upbeat … When the wine runs out, when a loved one dies or a friendship withers, DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
When good intentions don’t fill the void but only seem to pave the road to you-know-where – DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
When your illusion of self-sufficiency is shattered and your spirit is empty, and you shake your water jar and hear the sound of hollowness, don’t despair – just … DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
When the day is a disaster, an embarrassment, a failure, grab your empty jar, fill it with what water of your tears and then DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
When your wine is running low, and no one else seems to notice, listen to your mother; remember what she told you: DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
When life lacks vibrancy and the future is colorless, fill your jar with the water of common life, not bottled water, not Dasani or Zephyrhills water … the water of your everyday life, and DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
When hope wears thin and faith is shaky; when you’re filled with guilt for deeds left undone and offenses given, bend your knee and bow your head and, DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
When life is full of changes that threaten, lean into the One who is changeless. When you have more questions than answers, there’s an answer for any query … DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
When your best efforts fall short and your life-glass looks more than half-empty, breathe deeply and, DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
“They have no wine,” Mary said. But they will. The miracle always begins when the wine gives out. Regardless of how it feels or what we think about it, the day the wine runs out is the beginning of a miracle. Christ does not simply refill our glasses. He transforms our lives, turning water into wine. That which was colorless becomes vibrant. That which had no taste now tingles the tongue. That which had no fragrance now has a full bouquet.
Simply remember this – plant it in your heart: when the wine runs out,
DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.
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