Give Up Worry Wednesdays, Day 8
Mother Knows Best
Day 8: Wednesday—First Week of Lent
(On February 27, in Introducing Give Up Worry Wednesdays we announced our Lenten series, which takes a weekly reflection from a transforming new book by Gary Zimak, Give Up Worry for Lent: 40 Days to Finding Peace in Christ .)
When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” —John 2:3
Let’s examine some of the important details contained in the story of the wedding at Cana (see John 2:1-11). The first thing to note is the order St. John lists the guests—Mary, Jesus, and the disciples. It seems obvious that the evangelist wants to call our attention to the mother of Jesus. She is there for a reason, and he wants to ensure that we don’t miss that important detail. Next, we learn that the wine has run out. This would have been a big problem at a wedding feast in the day of our Lord, and it would be a big problem if it happened today. The people at the wedding are lacking something essential. They have a need that they can’t satisfy themselves.
The only person who can fix the immediate problem is Jesus, and Mary knows it. As a result, she brings the problem to his attention. She doesn’t tell him what to do or how to do it. All she does is let him know of the need: that there is no more wine. Jesus responds by turning water into wine, thus sparing the bride and groom from potential embarrassment. In addition to saving the wedding feast, this miracle (his first) causes the disciples to believe in him (see John 2:11).
Did Mary really need to tell Jesus about the wine situation? No. Because of his divine nature, he likely knew that the wine had run out. So why didn’t he just take care of it? In all likelihood, he was waiting for his mother to ask. This is the first instance in the Bible where Mary turned to her Son and requested his help. Her intercession resulted in Jesus performing his first miracle.
Don’t let yourself be confused by Jesus’ initial response: “O woman, what have you to do with me?” Focus instead on her response to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:4, 5). The end result of Mary’s intercession is that Jesus stepped in and saved the day.
The folks at the wedding lacked wine. What is your greatest need? Peace, health, money, greater love of neighbor, a better relationship with Jesus? Mary is ready to get involved and bring your intentions to Jesus. Will you let her?
Gary Zimak is a Catholic evangelist and author of seven books, including A Worrier’s Guide to the Bible, Listen to Your Blessed Mother, From Fear to Faith and Stop Worrying and Start Living. He is a radio host and frequent speaker at parishes, retreats and conferences and is known across the country as the leading Catholic speaker on overcoming anxiety. Gary serves as director of parish services at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church in North Wales, Pennsylvania.
(© 2019 Nancy HC Ward)
