The warning was issued because the temptation was great. “Don’t buy the wine, it’s no good!” These are not the words pilgrims expect to hear when visiting Cana in Galilee. Wouldn’t this be the perfect souvenir? Who wouldn’t want to bring home a bottle of wine from the place where Jesus changed water into wine – his first miracle? But on day three of our journey we had come to know and trust our guide, so we saved our shekels to spend on other treasures.
Cana was wonderful for other reasons, though, ones that are pertinent this week as we discuss weddings at our GIFT sessions and prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In the church built over the place where that ancient wedding was held, three married couples from our group renewed their wedding vows during the Mass we celebrated there. It was a sacred moment for us all. We were united in joy for the happy couples, and in tears with the widows among us. In Cana our group started to feel more like a family.
As Christians we are a pilgrim people. As Catholics we are united to God and one another through the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. We are a big Catholic family on the move, passing through this life on the way to our eternal home in heaven – unless we’re not. Sometimes we get sidetracked by temptation and trickery from the Devil, or we settle for imitation happiness instead of the real thing. That’s why we need a vibrant parish. A place where we come together in joy and in tears, seeking mercy from Jesus, who wants nothing more than to personally guide us home. If you know someone who has been sidetracked, or who is stuck in the dark along the path, say a prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to be with you. Then talk to the person, let them know you sincerely care, that they are not alone, and that you want to accompany them. Jesus, the Light of the World, will take it from there.
Cana, the Sanctuary of our Lord’s First Miracle
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