The account of the Wedding Feast at Cana is found only in Saint John's Gospel ( 2:1-11). It is one of the Luminous Mysteries (Mysteries of Light) because Jesus first revealed his glory there. The splendid painting by Nicolas Correa first deserves its own silent contemplation.
The Second Luminous Mystery
The Wedding Feast at Cana
Our Father, who art in heaven...
This wedding scene is one of extravagance: the robes, furnishings, the guests and table settings. In Christ, God has held nothing back nothing of Himself - He has given it all away to us in love.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
There is the canopy over the bride and groom's table. God has covered us with the unbreakable bond of His kind mercy.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
The disciples are with Jesus at the wedding, but there have been no signs as of yet. Mary indicates the wine has run out, and Jesus reluctantly performs his first miracle. The disciples believe. Where Mary intervenes, faith abounds.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
Now Jesus uses the water jars of Jewish purification, not for ritual washings but for something far better - the wine that calls to mind his later gift of the Eucharist.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
The Prophet Amos tells us that when the Messiah takes up his reign: "Behold the days are coming...and the mountains shall drip new wine" (Amos 9:13).
Hail Mary, full of grace...
The guests have drunk freely, but Jesus extends the feast with a seemingly unreasonable amount of high quality wine. Where Jesus is welcomed as inner guest, there is delight!
Hail Mary, full of grace...
Jesus isn't rude but addresses His Mother formally, calling her Woman. She is the New Eve - the new Mother of all who would follow her Son. She instructs us to learn from Him.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
Mary doesn't make a specific request of Jesus, rather she states the problem, "They have no more wine." Jesus always responds to faith.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
Jesus knows that if He performs a sign His enemies will gather and begin to scheme against Him. That hour of His glorification has not yet come. But when it does, Mary will be there too, standing resolutely beneath the cross as first disciple.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
The wine represents the wise teachings of Jesus. But a jar is missing; there would never be six, but seven, the number representing totality and fullness. Jesus is the missing jar of wisdom.
Hail Mary, full of grace...
Glory be to the Father...
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| Night-grotto at Lourdes, France |
