Do Whatever He Tells You

01-19-2025Weekly ReflectionFr. Augustine Acheme, VC

The Gospel reading for today takes us to the wedding feast at Cana, where Jesus performs His first public miracle by turning water into wine. This event, rich in symbolism, offers us a profound lesson in obedience, faith, and the transformative power of Christ’s presence. At the heart of the story are the simple yet powerful words of Mary to the servants: “Do whatever he tells you.” These words echo through me as a guiding principle for all who seek to follow Christ.

Mary’s role in this moment is significant. Her attentiveness to the needs of others and her trust in Jesus set the stage for the miracle. She does not command or explain; she simply points to her Son, confident that He will provide. Her words are an invitation to surrender, to place our trust in Jesus even when we do not understand His plan. They challenge us to let go of our doubts and hesitations and to act in faith.

The transformation of water into wine reminds us of Jesus’ power to bring abundance and joy where there is lack. The jars, originally intended for ceremonial washings, symbolize the old order, which Jesus fills with new meaning and purpose. This miracle is more than a display of power; it is a sign of the new covenant that Jesus ushers in- a covenant marked by grace, abundance, and the fullness of life.

The first reading from Isaiah speaks of a God who delights in His people, comparing His love to that of a bridegroom for his bride. “You shall be called ‘My Delight,’ and your land ‘Espoused.’” (Isaiah 62:4). This imagery complements the Gospel’s setting of a wedding, reminding us that God’s relationship with His people is deeply personal and joyful. The abundance of wine at Cana reflects this divine joy and the generosity of God’s love.

St. Paul’s le er to the Corinthians reminds us that God works in different ways through each of us. Just as the servants at Cana played a role in the miracle by filling the jars with water, we too are called to cooperate with God’s grace. Our obedience and willingness to follow Christ’s commands, no ma er how simple or small they may seem, can lead to extraordinary results.

As we reflect on the wedding at Cana, let us take Mary’s words to heart. “Do whatever he tells you” is not just a command for the servants at the feast- it is an invitation to all of us. By trusting in Jesus and surrendering to His will, we open our lives to the transformative power of His grace. May we, like the servants at Cana, act in faith and witness the abundance of God’s blessings in our lives.