The Wedding Feast at Cana

By Charla Spalluto Misse

Do you remember the readings chosen for your wedding?  I always remember one reading, in particular, a reading that my husband and I chose together and that I always enjoy hearing, “The Wedding Feast at Cana.”

I am always heartened to imagine our loving Mother Mary beseeching Jesus to save the newlywed couple from embarrassment, interceding on their behalf.  It reminds me that she is always watching with a compassionate heart.  

I now pray the Luminous Mysteries on Thursdays; its second mystery is “The Wedding Feast at Cana.” Through prayerful reflection of this mystery, a different perspective has been illuminated for me. When I imagine the water being transformed to what the headwaiter proclaims to be superior wine, I realize that I, too, can be transformed through Mary’s intercession and by the grace of God.  An ordinary person can become extraordinary when God’s will is realized.

Moreover, at the end of last month, near the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, I was pondering the relevance of this title, and this reading came to mind. The mothers of kings, “Queen Mothers,” have historically been given the utmost respect and consideration, never being denied by their sons, the kings.  Similarly, we see Christ the King honoring his mother.  Even though his “time had not yet come,” he grants her request. Hail Holy Queen!

And finally, of course, in this reading, Mary instructs the servants to “do whatever he tells you to do.” She calls us to follow her son unquestioningly, to entrust ourselves to him and act in perfect union with his holy will.

Each day, I pray that I hear this call and follow.