Parents often use well-chosen phrases to motivate good behaviour. A favourite phrase Mum used was the memorable ‘Listen to your Father!’ Dad on the other hand would often repeat ‘Do what your mother tells you!’

Our heavenly Father also uses well-chosen words. Although used sparsely, God reminds us of essential things – and so does Mary. The abridged version of what God says is as follows: Jesus is a much loved son of whom God is extremely proud, and God desires that the disciples listen to Jesus.

 And Mary … what is her preferred phrase? Whereas God’s wishes are that Jesus be listened to, Mary is even more proactive. She takes the directions a bit further. Mary strongly recommends that whatever Jesus says be done. She uses the succinct phrase to the wedding employees, which speak to us as well, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ 

 Last week we celebrated the Lord’s Epiphany. We encountered Jesus as he whom the Eastern pilgrims worshipped as King. Perhaps we could look at today’s Gospel as yet another epiphany, that of Mary. As we think about this wedding celebration that took place so long ago in Cana, may we come to know Mary as the attentive and resolute woman. She not only tells us to act on Jesus’ words. She shows us how.

                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                      Sr. Kathryn, pddm