Does it seem to you like you are running out of wine? Is it time to enjoy some fresh wine in your marriage? Could our Blessed Mother be speaking on your behalf when She speaks to Christ at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee in the gospel of this weekend? Imagine if the couple at this event did not put out their request for a refill before the Mother of Jesus?
Here, the metaphor of "wine" at this feast presents itself for our reflection. In the first place, the guests only know of the old wine. They are used to being served the old wine, so that is normal. They don’t know about the new wine. It means that if new wine was not served, the guests would not know the difference. They are used to the old wine. We can liken this to our situation. Do you know the difference between the old and the new? Have you become familiar with a routine that you can hardly embrace something new? How can you let in fresh spirit? Is your marriage yearning for spiritual freshness, a new wine?
The Cana event appeared to be a retreat opportunity of some sort for the couple and for their guests. It became not just an ordinary wedding ceremony but a huge encounter with Christ. It was an experience that completely transformed the audience. They left different than they came. Think about this, the couple ran out of wine whereas their guests had only tasted the old wine. Christ's presence is the newness that they had desired, one which produced such a profound result that the headwaiter exclaimed, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” The truth is that the old wine is only as tasty as it gets until you try the new wine. Jesus brings the new wine, but you have to ask for it. You have to go for the new wine. Jesus does everything, makes water become wine, changes old wine into new, and refills the empty jars. Yours is to heed the voice of the Blessed Mother, "Do whatever he tells you" (Jn. 2:5).
What is the Lord asking you to do right now and what hindrances are in the way? The Cana gathering listened to the Blessed Mother as she reinforced the need to do what the Lord asked of them. Except you step up to do what the Lord wants, you may still be tasting the old wine. Would you do what he tells you now and register for the retreat?
It’s February 19th, at the beautiful Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, MD. The day will include Mass, continental breakfast, inspiring talks, private time with your spouse for discussion, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, amazing praise and worship music, and a special, individual blessing. What a glorious opportunity!
Registration is limited to the first 30 couples.
You can sign up/register using the link below