When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:3-5, ESV)
I am officially a Costo member as of last Monday. My card-carrying mother and I made the trip that I had successfully managed to avoid for many years by going to her local Guelph outlet when I would visit. I would buy with her card the healthy choices like Chia seed and Hemp hearts in bulk. But at 57 maybe the apron strings need to be cut? And I become an independent Costco member?
There is a lovely gospel story that records the interaction between Mary and Jesus at the wedding in Cana. It is early in Jesus' ministry and will be the place of a miracle. Interesting: the first miracle is not the healing of the blind or the rising of the dead but helping the wedding hosts save face when wine for the guests runs out. It is relational, the story of a mother and son, of the disciples as guests and a couple being married.
It reads like a real conversation that could be in our time: “Help them, Jesus.” “Don’t tell me what to do.” “Do what he says!”
And Jesus changes water into wine and provides what the celebrating families needed.
This story describes Jesus’ ministry as growing out of relationships that rooted him in family, community, and in the tradition of his parents. He does not appear on the scene dropped in from the sky. His years as carpenter served him well in providing for his family and living vulnerability in the difficulties of first century Palestine. He knew the tax burden of the Empire firsthand and the precariousness of living under the army of occupation.
Sharing the story of the Lefneski pilgrimage to Europe was possible because my mother shared our inheritance by bringing us on these relational rooted experiences, her investment enabled her and I to share with almost two thousand children in Remembrance Assemblies these last few days. Standing with my Mom was a privilege and incredibly unique experience.
We both shared from our lives and common history, we wove together our experiences and stood side by side.
As Jesus cuts the 'apron strings' and begins a ministry that will take him away from mother and family, I felt the strings of love, family history and a common faith holding me.
In reference to that faith, both my Mom and I are followers of Jesus. We are inspired by his generous vision, his help in time of need and his presence in our lives through the spirit.
Mothering God who holds us close to your warm beating heart,
We thank you for those in our lives whose faith inspires us,
for generosity lived in actions that enrich families and community.
Thank you for Mother Mary who lovingly raised Jesus,
and was an example of care, grace, and healthy relationships.
Thank-you for Jesus who will share a wide vision of generous faith rooted in his personal family history and inherited faith.
May we live from their examples in our relationships,
May we love and care as they loved,
May we enrich our world by sharing our stories of courage and faith.
Amen.
Rev. David