33 Days to Morning Glory: Day 25

Today we meditate upon one of my favorite passages where Mary figures in - The Wedding at Cana. 

"They have no wine."/ "They are out of wine."

This simple statement of Mary, directed to Jesus, encompasses important aspects of her motherhood:

1. "[It is] a new kind of motherhood according to the spirit and not just according to the flesh, that is to say Mary's solicitude for human beings, her coming to them in the wide variety of their wants and needs." (Pope John Paul II). Note, that no one came to her and told her about the wine.  She noticed that it was running out. In the same way that mothers are attuned and seem to have a 6th sense for their children's needs, Mary has always been solicitous to our needs --- even before we ask.
2. "She puts herself in the middle, that is to say she acts as a mediatrix not as an outsider, but in her position as Mother." (Pope John Paul II).  This is something I can very much relate to, since our mom does this --- a lot.  She used to act as our lawyer to Papa whenever we needed (or wanted) something which he might likely turn down.  She also does that among us siblings.  And she does it in the same style as Mary - without really asking, just stating the need.  That way she does not impose but leaves it up to us to decide what we will do about it.  The asking is implied.  And, most of the time, it's hard (close to impossible, in fact) to say "No" to her.
3. "As a Mother she also wishes the messianic power of her Son to be manifested, that salvific power of his which is meant to help man ..." (Pope John Paul II).  Those who have the capacity to help do want to help and are often looking for ways to do so.  Moreso for Jesus.  When Mary acts as mediatrix, she is merely matching supply and demand.  Her Son has the power to help us and so she brings our needs to Him.  You know how mothers always seem to "show off" their children's special talents or achievements?  That's how Mary is with Jesus's messianic power.

"Do whatever He tells you."

This statement is as loaded as the first one.

1. "The Mother of Christ presents herself as the spokeswoman of her Son's will, pointing out those things which need to be done so that the salvific power of the Messiah may be manifested." (Pope John Paul II). Think about it this way. You are a commoner who wants an audience with the King so you can bring his attention to your specific need or request.  You go through the Queen to ask her help in getting you an audience with the King.  It's the same with Mary.  She does not "answer" our prayers, but she brings us to Jesus and tell us to follow His will.  She points us towards Jesus. Thus, "Mary's role is wholly oriented to Christ."  She is the compass that points us towards the North Star.
2. "At Cana Mary appears as believing in Jesus." (Pope John Paul II). The statement was an act of faith from Mary even though Jesus's initial reply to her was "Woman what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come." Obviously, she knew that Jesus's compassionate heart would do what is right ... and that He cannot turn her down.  She pulled the "Mother" card on Him!
3. "Her faith evokes His first sign and helps to kindle the faith of the disciples." (Pope John Paul II). Mary knew the disciples needed a little bit of help to believe so they can take that leap of faith.  Once again, this shows how attuned Mary is to each one of us.  She does not only know our needs but understands who we are deep down.

It is also worth noting, that Mary's intercession at Cana fast-tracked Jesus's "hour". Did Jesus not say that his "hour" has not yet come? And yet He acted ... on Mary's silent prodding. (Boom!)