Basic HTML Version
1 John 5:14-21
Psalm 149: 1-2, 3-4, 5 and 6A and 9B
John 2:1-11
Summary
The mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus
said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has
not yet come." His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells
you."
Reflection
In contemporary culture where alcoholism is a tragic reality that has
touched every life in some way, the theme of this popular story from
John’s gospel seems somewhat embarrassing and out of place. Yet,
“there’s good wine a plenty and let’s drink a lot of it” was what the
story means to say. Wine is the ancient symbol of gladness and
celebration; the presence of Jesus, who is the embodiment of salva-
tion, brings both. Like old wine, the power of the old covenant has
run out. The new covenant in Jesus Christ is the abundant new wine.
The surprising source of this fine vintage is the common water of the
world, the human experience which washes and purifies.
In the special ministry of RCIA we visit and journey with normal peo-
ple. Some come because they are engaged or married to a Catholic.
Others come to fill a void left by some tragedy. Still others come in
hopes of beginning a spiritual journey. They are like the common
water that becomes the wine. Furthermore, this was the first of the
signs Jesus used. Like Jesus, you have to begin somewhere the
candidates and catechumens in RCIA look to be touched by the one