First Saturday

One of Mary's requests at Fatima was that her followers attend Mass on the First Saturday of each month...at least five...to pray for the conversion of Russia and those who have drifted away from their faith. This first Saturday comes on the eve of Epiphany and rightfully, today's Gospel is the Wedding Feast at Cana, where Mary's role in a very mundane affair (no wine) is symbolic in the manifestation of Jesus to the world, which we celebrate tomorrow. At her instigation, Jesus performs his first miracle and thus reveals himself as certainly someone "different". Mary's announcement, "they have no wine"(Jn 2:2), became a gentle, but non-negotiable hint to her Son, that he could and should do something about it. And so he complied, even though he first protested that his "hour had not come." Mary's exposure in the Gospel is minimal, but her role is key: the one who give human life to the Son of God, who nudges him to "get started" on his mission, and who stands by him in his suffering and "making of all things new." Over the centuries she has appeared many times to remind us, to keep us on track, to show her unending love for us, and to urge us to come to know and love her Son. We have spent six weeks preparing a place in our hearts for him, reflecting on the astounding grace of his presence among us, and now the message comes down to loving him with our whole hearts, minds, souls and strength, as he loves us. The tenderness of Mary's love for him and for us warrants more than lip service, and demands a strong, unconditional love and trust of both Mother and Son. As we go about our Saturday routines, may we be conscious of the closeness of Jesus and Mary to us and allow their love to enhance ours.
Bro. Rene