“When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it.” John 2:3-8
Sit back and read John 2 today. Focus on the event and the story John conveys. We hear of the famous Wedding at Cana. We don’t know who was married but must have been friends of Mother Mary and Jesus for them to be invited, and bring a bunch of new friends of Jesus along. We do know tragedy strikes early on though. They run out of wine! Total embarrassment to the whole countryside – all the parents’ and new couples’ friends and family will face withering shame. They couldn’t even provide the basic needs of the celebration.
Mary must have been trusted by the servants, they came to her and shared the secret soon to be disaster. How does Mary react? Everyone will look at this event in John’s Gospel and go right to the words, “do water He tells you.” Rightly so, this is a huge intercession and instruction for the servants AND for each of us. But, as I read this, all I can think of is trust. Mary had absolute trust that her boy could and would take care of this situation. She didn’t ask what He would do or even press Him when He questioned her request’s timing. No, she simply looked her son in the eye, nodded and turned to the servants with the famous instructions.
Mary has extraordinary trust in Jesus and God. Super-human and surely Immaculate levels of trust. Maybe we aren’t at her level but she gives us this example as a lesson. Whether it’s joyous news – like having a son Who will be the Messiah-, or a new job, or being told scary news – cancer or lupus or your soul will be pierced by a sword -, or even that the event planned is heading to disaster or you’re facing shame – Mary gives us the example.
Trust in Jesus! No questions, just turn to God, tell Him the situation and go along to do whatever He tells you.