The Ephiphany of the Lord, Sun., Jan. 5, 2014
Deacon Robert Banet
Charlie’s friend is at it again.
What is it this time? Bible only?
Not exactly. He’s nagging about praying to Mary.
Ah, well, that is a problem.
He’s not impressed with saying it’s just like your asking anyone else to pray for you. You could go directly to Jesus. Why bother with a third party?
Come to think of it, that sounds pretty reasonable.
He says if you were in a room with Jesus and Mary, why wouldn’t you just pray to Jesus — ask Him to help you?
Wait a minute! I think I have an answer.
Let’s hear it.
Well, there was a time when Jesus and Mary were in the same room.
Oh, yes, I remember. At the wedding reception. In Cana.
Yes. You remember Jesus was rather reluctant to do anything, or even not aware of the wine shortage.
But Mary noticed it. She asked Jesus to help them.
Jesus answered and said that His time had not yet come. He was not about to help them.
And then Mary turned to the waiters and said, “Do whatever He tells you.”
You could say she got Him to change His mind.
Yes, you could say that. And that’s not all. Cana is today. It is a historical event, but it’s much more. Cana is still with us today. Mary is still there to intercede for us.
I think I’ll tell this to Charlie. Maybe it will get his friend to think about it.