Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/361



I. "And  there  was  a  marriage  in  Cana  of  Gallilee,  and the  Mother  of  Jesus  was  there,  and  Jesus  also  was  invited and  His  disciples  to  the  marriage." (John ii.  1.)  Our kind Lord  did  not  refuse  to  be  present  at  the  marriage feast, because  He  wished  to  do  good  to  many,  and  besides to confirm  His  disciples  in  their  faith. Observe with what gravity  and  modesty  He  behaves  Himself  on  the occasion, and  learn  moderation  in  days  of  mirth  and  festivity. " Let  the  just  feast"  and  rejoice,  says  the  Psalmist, but  it  must  be  "  before  God." (Ps lxvii.  4.)

II. The wine  began  to  fail,  and  the  Blessed  Virgin  of her  own  accord  without  being  asked,  is  anxious  to  relieve their necessity,  in  requital  for  their  kind  invitation,  and therefore she  tells  her  Son,  "  they  have  no  wine." How much more  anxious  is  this  Holy  Virgin,  in  regard  to  the spiritual necessities  of  those  who  are  devoted  to  her. " By  how  much  she  is  more  holy  than  the  other  saints," says St.  Augustine,  "  by  so  much  is  she  more  anxious  for our  good." Beseech her  to  intercede  with  her  Blessed Son in  your  behalf,  for  you  stand  much  in  need  of  the wine of  charity  and  devotion.

III. Christ replies  to  her,  with  seeming  harshness, " Woman,  what  is  that  to  Me  and  to  thee." (John ii.  4.) By this  answer  He  teaches  His  followers,  not  to  appoint God a  time  in  which  He  must  help  us,  as  those  did,  who were reprehended  by  Judith,  "  You  have  set  a  time  for the  mercy  of  the  Lord,  and  you  have  appointed  Him  a day,  according  to  your  pleasure." (Judith viii.  13.)  He wishes  to  teach  us  also,  that  in  the  service  of  God,  we