Benedictine Sisters of FL

Holy Name Monastery
Founded 1889

wedding at cana

I Am Here – Waiting – Day or Night – Let’s Talk

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In John’s Gospel, the evangelist has (already before Lent) walked us through the story of the Wedding at Cana.  Jesus, at a nudge from his mother Mary, interacted with the servers who followed his directions to fill the empty stone jar with water.  Only to be mystified when the water turns into the best wine in the house.  Now, John is the only evangelist who relates this story.  And, he is exact in some details: there were six jars, each 2-3 feet tall, each holding 9-10 gallons.  That’s approximately 55 gallons of wine – making for quite a wedding!

Last Sunday, we witnessed an interaction of a different sort.  Jesus calls a halt to the desecration of His father’s house, the temple in Jerusalem.  Today’s Gospel takes a leap that skips over an interaction that sets up today’s teaching.  In that gap, we hear about the conversation between Jesus and the Pharisee Nicodemus who came to Jesus under the cover of darkness.  Nicodemus was struggling with some big questions.  As he said to Jesus: “I know you came from God.  Maybe you can share some light on my quandary.”  Seems like they must have talked well into the night.

Puzzled by what Jesus had said, Nicodemus questions how an old man can be born again???  Jesus cautions him: “Don’t be amazed that I told you, ‘you must be born from above.’”  Here comes a sentence that I love: “The wind blows where it wills, you hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes.”  [Like Benedict said, “Listen with the ear of your heart.”] Reminds me of a 70s folk song: “Blowin’ in the Wind” – “How many times must we look up before we can see the sky?  How many ears must we have before we can hear people cry?  The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”

I digress from the Gospel.  Or do I?  John says in today’s reading: “In all truth I tell you, we speak only about what we know and witness, what we have seen and heard.  And yet people reject our evidence.  If you do not believe me when I speak to you about earthly things, how will you believe me when I speak to you about heavenly things?”

Keep reading…  Jesus speaks through the mouth of John, reminding us of our history.  Remember the story in the Book of Numbers, when the people were in the desert and they complained against God and Moses.  God sent poisonous serpents as punishment.  But, when the people repented, God did not leave them without a sign.  The people slinked back to Moses, like “a dog with its tail between its legs.”  They begged: “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and against you; (They pleaded) please intercede with the Lord, that He will remove the serpents from us.”  And Moses interceded for the people.  Sounds like Moses might have bargained with God.  The Lord said to Moses, Here’s the deal: “Make a fiery serpent, and put it on a flag pole; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, and looks at it, will live.”

Jesus calls Nicodemus’ attention to that story.  “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent … so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.  Then He reminds us: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.  God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

Today, I believe, God is telling us: “I did not send COVID-19 to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through my Son.”  It’s a wake-up call.  “Like I said to the prophet Isaiah yea these many years ago.  I am the designer and maker of the earth.  Remember in Genesis, at the creation of life on this earth, I looked on all that had been created, and I said: ‘It is good. …  For, I am God, there is no other.  I will not speak in secret nor from some dark place.  I did not say: Look for me in chaos.  I promise justice, ‘the public face of love’.  I speak the truth.  Turn to me and be safe.  Say: From God alone comes my strength and safety.’”

God continues speaking to us.  “You were correct, when a year ago this week, you posted that sign on the chapel door: we regret that we are TEMPORARILY closed to visitors.  All time is temporary in My eyes until you rest in ME eternally.  Today I tell you, just as I welcomed a midnight conversation with Nicodemus, I am here – day or night – for you.  What’s on your mind or weighing heavy on your heart?  Let’s talk.”

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress

 

 

Next Sunday, March 21 we would normally celebrate the solemnity of St. Benedict, however, since this year, the date falls on and Sunday, we will celebrate St. Benedict on Monday, March 22.  Join with us as we honor our wise founder … and let us not overlook his twin sister, Scholastica.  Their wise words, and worthy example have influenced our world for over 1500 years!  “LISTEN WITH THE EAR OF YOUR HEART.  And may Christ lead us all together to everlasting life.”

 

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A Miracle – A Mantra

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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.

(There is a repeating refrain here- a mantra – please, join in if you like …)

When the wine runs out and you are confused – but others are looking for answers – DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When the wine runs out, and troubles swirl about you so your head is a muddle … DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When the wine runs out, and your “umph” does, too DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When the wine runs out, and you know aridity and still you struggle to be upbeat … DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

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 prayers seem to be unheard, listen closely and 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 DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When the wine is running low, and no one else seems to notice, tell Him, and, then DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When self-doubt abounds and life seems meaningless, He is there: DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When life lacks vibrancy and the future is colorless, fill the 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 DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

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 you have more questions than answers, here’s an answer for any query … DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU.

When life is full of changes that threaten, lean into the One who is changeless, DO WHAT EVER HE TELL 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.

~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, Prioress
January 20, 2019  (Wedding at Cana)
First Reading Isaiah 62:1-5            Second Reading 1 Corinthians12:4-11
Gospel John 21:11
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