Scripture for
meditation: John 2:1-5
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee,
and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had likewise been
invited to the celebration. At a certain point the wine ran out, and Jesus’
mother told him, “They have no more wine.” Jesus replied, “Woman, how does this
concern of yours involve me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother instructed
those waiting on table,” Do whatever he tells you.”
Blessed John Paul
II explains: [Cana] clearly outlines the new dimension, the new meaning of
Mary’s motherhood…. [It is] a new kind of motherhood according to the spirit
and not just according to the flesh, that is to say Mary’s solicitude for human
beings, her coming to them in the wide variety of their wants and needs. At
Cana in Galilee there is shown only one concrete aspect of human need,
apparently a small one of little importance (“They have no wine”). But it has a
symbolic value: this coming to the aid of human needs means, at the same time,
bringing those needs within the radius of Christ’s messianic mission and
salvific power. Thus there is a mediation; Mary places herself between her Son
and mankind in the reality of their wants, needs and sufferings. She puts
herself “in the middle,” that is to say she acts as a mediatrix not as an
outsider, but in her position as Mother. She knows that as such she can point
out to her Son the needs of mankind, and in fact, she “has the right” to do so.
Her mediation is thus in the nature of intercession: Mary “intercedes” for
mankind. And that is not all. As a Mother she also wishes the messianic power
of her Son to be manifested, that salvific power of his which is meant to help
man in his misfortunes, to free him from the evil which in various forms and
degrees weighs heavily upon his life…..Another essential element of Mary’s
maternal task is found in her words to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you.”
The Mother of Christ presents herself as the spokeswoman of her Son’s will,
pointing out those things which must be done so that the salvific power of the
Messiah may be manifested. At Cana, thanks to the intercession of Mary and the
obedience of the servants, Jesus begins “his hour.” At Cana Mary appears as
believing in Jesus. Her faith evokes his first “sign” and helps to kindle the
faith of the disciples…. The episode at Cana in Galilee offers us a sort of
first announcement of Mary’s mediation, wholly oriented toward Christ and
tending to the revelation of his salvific power(Redemptoris Mater,
nn21-22).
Fr. Michael
Gaitley tells us in “33 Days to Morning Glory” (Marian Press, 2011): I’d
like to highlight a few important points from this passage for us to ponder.
(1) Not by necessity but by God’s choice, “the handmaid of the Lord” who does
the Father’s will perfectly has a “right” as mother and mediatrix to point out
to her Son the needs of mankind. Shouldn’t we have recourse to such a powerful
Mother of Mercy with regard to our own needs and intentions? (2) Mary needs
servants who will obey her words, “Do whatever he tells you.” Are we ready to
be her servants so Jesus can begin his “hour” in our day? (3) It’s clear from
the words “Do whatever he tells you” that Mary’s role is “wholly oriented
toward Christ” and tends to the revelation of his saving power. Mary’s
mediation, therefore, is in union with and subordinate to the one mediation of
Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Prayer: The
Memorare
Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it
known, that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy
intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O
Virgin of Virgins my Mother. To thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and
sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy
mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.
Our prayer to Mary: Mary, Mother of God, hear our prayers, and present them to your
Son for us, please! Amen.
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