Doing What Mom Says

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days. John 2:1-12

There are situations that children find themselves in, when one's mother is present.  No matter the age, we find it impossible to resist her direction, and we as Moms know how powerful our words can be. We sometimes see in our young the potential they don't see. All too often though, our words seem like orders rather than encouragement. We ache so much for you children's thriving that we can, at times, be harsh when tenderness is needed. Balance in the parenting world is often hard, no matter how young or old or children might be.

Jesus has his first miracle at his mother's insistence.  The Gospel openly recalls his initial refusal. The Incarnate God, who was fully human, felt reluctant and hesitant in his calling, just as we often do. It is hard for us to picture the Savior of the world as tentative and uncomfortable. Yet, we all can envision moments when we faltered, were hesitant and lacked confidence. We often find ourselves there now. Yet, Jesus had a push, a nudge, a loving direction. And we all need those today, as we move together in service of God's love.

Today I ask God to give me the gift of those who will lovingly nudge me and encourage the gifts I have been given. May we all be fearless as we encourage others, knowing that the gifts given by God are to be used for the good of the world.