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I recently attended a relative’s wedding and the following reception. It was a wonderful affair, with excellent food and a great venue. The bride and groom beamed with happiness, and everyone wore their best. We were happy to party and wish the new couple well. Many people were visiting others they hadn’t seen in a long time; it was a reunion and an occasion that celebrated people. The comings and goings of life itself. The new couple on their way to a new life together and others greeting people, celebrating friendships and connections. It was a joy that shut out the troubled world, just for a few hours.
As I attended, I couldn’t help but think of another wedding reception about two thousand years ago: the Wedding Feast at Cana, attended by Jesus, His mother, and His disciples. I can only imagine that it was very similar in joy and celebration to what I was experiencing at the reception I was attending. The Wedding Feast of Cana is only reported in St John's gospel. The Gospel written by St. John comes a little later than the other three gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It shows Jesus in a very personal light, and, of course, it is the first miracle Jesus performs. It also shows a human interaction between Jesus and His mother.
The gospel relates that the wedding reception is going very well, but the wine for the guests is running low. Mary goes and tells Jesus. We do not know why she tells her son; perhaps she knew the young couple or the family and did not want them embarrassed by the lack of hospitality, or she knew Jesus could do something to help. We do know what she did about it. She told her son, "They have no wine." Jesus answers his mother, rather disturbingly, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me?" (John 2: 4) He tells her quite pointedly, His hour has not come. Mary, His mother, does something quite astonishing. She turns to the persons involved with the party management and says" You do whatever He says". She disregards Jesus’ protests. Is this not how a mother acts? I know, being the oldest in my family growing up, my mother offered my services many times to babysit, regardless of what I wanted to do. But this was my mother, and I followed her wishes. This is the power of a mother. I am sure if you look at your own life, you will have occasions when your mother requested something of you that interfered with your plans, but you did it for your mother. The older you get, your mother can still command you to come, bring, or help with something or somebody regardless of your agenda.
We know the rest of the story of Cana: that the water in the jugs Jesus ordered was turned into wine. Jesus, even if reluctant at first, does a miracle for his mother. The wine was so good that the manager comments, "Usually the best wine is served first." Receptions still happen today, celebrating a union of two people committing to each other, for better or worse, in sickness and in health; however, we also hear of prenuptial agreements that don’t share that same commitment to giving and sharing all. Items, things, and money are set aside just in case the marriage does not last; the union has become a calculation or a financial arrangement.
Marriage is one of the most significant steps one takes in life. If it is not based on love, sharing, and forgiveness, it is just a piece of paper.
Marriage is about hope, futures, commitment, and children. It is the great map that your life is going to sail on. Anything less than your entire being holding on to another being is not worthy of marriage. If love is not there, the union will flounder when the waves of problems lap the boat of the marriage. If it is built on love, respect, and forgiveness, and is true, it will withstand any storm.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus was at a wedding reception. It is good to see that young people today are getting married and willing to trust love. The joy and community of the reception is just the start of a long road of challenges, contentment, and God's care and grace. Build your marriage on the Rock. The rock is God, and God is love.
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25)