Do whatever he tells you

In Cana, a lot of people were invited, like at most weddings of that time. That is why we see Jesus and Mary, and the disciples whom Jesus had called a few days before. One of them was from the village of Cana... The presence of Jesus, the Son of God, and Mary, at the wedding of a man and a woman seems to me to be of great significance.

At this wedding, Mary did something that she continues to do for us, her children, and for all humanity. She just said: Do whatever he tells you. This is a bold phrase, full of confidence! Mary does not know what Jesus will say, but she asks us to accept the words that will come. More than that, she asks that we act on those words.

Have you noticed that these are the last words of the Virgin Mary recorded in the Gospel? They are like a testament that she leaves us. As we meditate on Cana, let us not forget those jars that we must fill with water, so that Jesus can turn this water into wine. Doesn’t this represent the water of our daily lives that we need to bring to the Lord, to be transformed by his presence?

Mary allows the power of God to manifest itself. This power is in a way suspended on our freedom—do we want to do what Jesus tells us? The answer is up to each one of us. Nobody can answer it for us! Let us think for a moment about what such a request might mean for us, wherever we are, with the choices and decisions we each face daily.

Let us pray to the Virgin Mary with Pope Francis. Mother, help our faith! Remind us that those who believe are never alone. Teach us to see all things with the eyes of Jesus, that he may be light for our path. (Lumen Fidei n. 60)

Bishop Carré, Archbishop of Montpellier (France), Vice-President of the Conference of Bishops of France

Homily of August 13, 2018 La Croix