by Sister Mary Kabat
That is the brief conversation at the beginning of Sunday's Gospel of the Wedding at Cana. In the past I have been troubled by Jesus' response to Mary. I certainly wouldn't talk to my mother that way. Would you? But read the words again and this time see a glint of love and humor in Jesus' eyes and a smile on his face. That would give Mary every confidence in telling the servers to, "Do whatever he tells you."
Changing water into wine at a wedding in a small town may not seem like a very important first public miracle. But I take great comfort in it. It gives a clear message of how Jesus responds to every concern or need of ours. He loves us and care about us. Our concerns do affect him. As the prophet Isaiah tells us in the first Scripture reading, "The Lord delights in you!"
I've heard people say, "Oh, I don't want to bother God with that" or "God has more important things to do." No, you are his child, his delight! Don't hesitate to share your concerns, worries or needs with him. Sometimes just sharing the burden, as with a friend, lifts our spirits. Trusting God to act for the good of ourselves or others can give us the confidence and peace of mind we need as we go about our day.
chapter 8
, US Catholic Catechism for Adults
by Sister Laura Zelten
The Paschal Mystery is the saving death and resurrection of Jesus for the redemption of the world. It is a core Christian belief that by his death and resurrection he overcame death and sin. This is the Good News of the Gospel.
In rising, he brings new life, grace, and the Holy Spirit so we might know the dignity of being adopted as sons and daughters of God. Humanity needs salvation from sin and death and the strength of new life in Christ. In Baptism, we die to sin with Christ and are raised to new life in the Holy Spirit. This dying and rising with Christ is our participation in the Paschal Mystery.
"Christ's resurrection is an event historically attested to by the apostles, who met their risen Lord. The reality of Christ's resurrection is also a transcendent event beyond the realm of human history. The apostolic witness of Christ's resurrection is the foundation of the Church's proclamation of the Paschal Mystery to the world." (CCC 638-658)
In few words you are able to bring to life the caring exchange between Jesus and his mother!
The key here is it's an open-ended question, it can't be answered by 'yes' or 'no.' He wants to make sure that she understands exactly what she is asking. It's a significant event and the question ensures both are clear about the significance. Her response to the servers shows it has clearly been thought through and any further debate is unnecessary.
It may be an oversimplification, but I've always liked that he listens to his mom. He's very human to me in this passage. First we get "it's not my problem." then we get "okay mom..."