Reflections on the Readings
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 17, 2010 - Year C
By Dennis Hankins
When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine."
It's a wedding feast and nothing more distressing could occur at such an occasion. The wine is gone, but the party is not over. What can be done? What must be done?
It is interesting that Jesus links this occasion with his 'hour.' His response to his Mother indicates that this need is not his 'hour.' Addressing his Mother as 'Woman,' was in antiquity an affectionate title of endearment. I suppose much like what we mean when we say, "Dear or Dearest."
For John's Gospel, this beginning of miracles is the first sign of seven signs around which his account of our Lord is told. It is this sign, the changing of the water into wine that demonstrates for John the power of his Master to transform and change coupled with the hint of the last supper transformed into the sacrament of Christ's body and blood, an 'hour' yet to come.
Mary understood the nature of her son's response: "Dearest mother, What does this need have to do with me or with you?" In other words, "Mother, I'll take care of it."
According to the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible this is a Hebrew idiom translated into Greek that must be understood within context. It could be understood as a disagreement of perspective between Jesus and his Mother. On the other hand it can also mean consenting to the will of another without reluctance.
For us, the context is the latter. For when Mary says to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you," she knows her son will meet the need she has brought to his attention. Such is the affection her son has for her; such is the affection the Church has demonstrated for two thousand years for Mary, the Mother of us all.
When Mary, saw a need, she asked Jesus her son to meet it.
And Christ met the need with a miracle of transformation, that speaks of his power to transform us, and all things, for Jesus makes all things new.
Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
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