I have been getting excited recently as our eldest child, Nora, is sharing details about her vision for her wedding this August. Just looking at colors, or flowers, or save the dates or whatever lights me up. Pete and I are so lucky in that we think the world of her future husband, and feel so optimistic and love-filled about the life they are launching together.
Did you ever wonder who was married at the Wedding at Cana? “Baruch and his Wife Hannah of Cana Central cordially invite you, Miriam, Josef and family to the nuptials of Esther and Ephraim…” Whoever they were, I bet people really looked forward to the gathering. I can only imagine that in the time of Jesus, such an invitation was as much a source of joy and gratitude as in our time, as was the marriage of Meggie B and Andrew last year.
Folks floating in from distances. Presents being thought about and prepared. The banquet items planned and the beverages laid in. Parents of the bride fussing over details. Friends of the groom planning the entrance and the toasts.
The Wedding at Cana features the first public miracle of Jesus. It fascinates me that the first action he takes to reveal who he is and what he is about is not a healing, however wonderful that would be, or the casting out of a demon, however crucial. No, it’s making sure the bar is stocked. It’s making sure that nothing interrupts the abundance and the joy of a gathering.
Imagine what it might be like if all of us came to the Eucharist, our weekly banquet, expecting the joy and fun of a wedding. If we made sure our shoes were comfortable, because we might find ourselves not wanting to leave the dance floor. If we came hungry, because we knew the feast would more than satisfy. If we were confident that nothing would deplete the joy and the fulness waiting for us.
I’m wrapping my arms around a God who’s first word on who he is is overflowing abundance! The God that would have nothing interrupt our joy and celebration.
More on all of that this Sunday! Remember, we are on Zoom this week. Oh. And a few words on the beauty and value of a pushy mother!
Trish
Pastoral Director
Charis
An Ecumenical Catholic Community
http://www.newcatholiccommunity.com
cháris Χάρις khar’ece Our name means grace, good will, loving-kindness, favor; of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
Put On Your Dancin’ Shoes…
