Gospel Reflection from Notre Dame

This gospel has always been one of my favorites because I love weddings—the vows, the flowers, the dancing. It brings me even more joy after witnessing my older sister marry her best friend last summer. It was a beautiful June day for a service at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and there was plenty of wine to go around at the reception afterward.

The Wedding at Cana showcases Jesus’ first miracle. After Jesus tells Mary his hour has not yet come, Mary intervenes and tells the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Her boldness and refusal to be passive in this scene inspire me.

During my time in the Notre Dame Folk Choir, I’ve had the incredible privilege of collaborating with other students and professional artists on a newly composed musical representation of Christ’s Passion. In an original draft of a section sung from Mary’s perspective, I wrote the lyrics, “When you turned water to wine / I knew you were never just mine.”

I imagine that during the Wedding at Cana, Mary was coming to terms with her son leaving her to begin his public ministry. When Mary says, “Do whatever he tells you,” she propels Jesus’ public ministry and accepts that her son ultimately belonged to the Father and was meant to serve and die for others. Mary’s sacrifice not only made the earthly celebration at Cana possible but also the wedding banquet we await in heaven.

How can we follow Mary’s model of grace as she actively participates in God’s saving plan amid loss? How can we share Christ’s miraculous love and joy with others?