Out of the House

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. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” Jesus replied, “Woman, what concern is that to us? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” – John 2:1-5 (NRSVUE) 

They have no wine. That’s all Mary says after noticing the lack. Could she be more indirect?  

Jesus knows what she wants him to do, but he’s reluctant to start doing things that have consequences. The wine she wants him to make will be free to the guests, but it could cost him plenty. He demurs.  

She ignores him and marches right over to the serving table as if he’d said no problem instead of no way. Do whatever he tells you, she says. She once said a risky yes to an angel; she’s not about to take no for an answer from him. 

Because they have no wine.  

It’s human history she’s talking about, life’s disappointed guests milling around with empty glasses from time immemorial. She’s done waiting. It’s time for the mighty to fall, the poor to get justice, the best wine to flow. Three Persian potentates once knelt before him. Why is he still nailing cabinets in Nazareth?  

He gives in, makes liquid heaven in preposterous quantities, and squanders it on us, the undeserving, who can’t distinguish rotgut from Rothschild. 

It’s a new party now. He’s out of the house, loosed on the world, the wastrel we need him to be.  

(Thank you, Mary.) 

Prayer
God of the good stuff, when we think we’re not ready to do your works, send Mary to tell us, “They have no wine.” Get us out of the house.

About the Author
Mary Luti is a long time seminary educator and pastor, author of Teresa of Avila’s Way and numerous articles, and founding member of The Daughters of Abraham, a national network of interfaith women’s book groups.