Fill the Jars with Water

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 for a few days. John 2:1-12

Jesus' first miracle, which was pushed on him by his mother, has found its way into all sorts of cultural references, jokes, songs and memes. I have often focused on the relationship between Mary and her son, which is truly fascinating in this story. Yet the water jars seem more important today. They were everyday things, part of any household. They became the conduit of miracles and change. We are also empty or half-filled vessels, most of us everyday and ordinary. Like those water jugs, we can contain something miraculous despite our limited human experience. When we are willing to let Jesus call and direct us, we can be filled with more gifts and capacity than we have ever known. In these troubled times, may we be those willing to be refilled and overflowing with the miraculous love of God.

Wondrous Creator, you fill us and use us

to be your miraculous love here on earth

following in the human steps of your Son.

We are half-empty and without direction

as the world turns violent and inhumane

hiding from today's pain and cruelty.

You have called us and you will lead us

so fill us again with the water of life

so we might share your miraculous love today. Amen.