Scripture Scribbles: January 16, 2022

the Gospel

John 2:1-11

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee,

and the mother of Jesus was there.

Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding.

When the wine ran short,

the mother of Jesus said to him,

“They have no wine.”

And Jesus said to her,

“Woman, how does your concern affect me?

My hour has not yet come.”

His mother said to the servers,

“Do whatever he tells you.”

Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings,

each holding twenty to thirty gallons.

Jesus told them,

“Fill the jars with water.”

So they filled them to the brim.

Then he told them,

“Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.”

So they took it.

And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine,

without knowing where it came from

— although the servers who had drawn the water knew —,

the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him,

“Everyone serves good wine first,

and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one;

but you have kept the good wine until now.”

Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee

and so revealed his glory,

and his disciples began to believe in him.

the devotion

I love that Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding.

Presently, Jesus is working a miracle in my own 32-year marriage.

Because of major marital struggles, my husband and I attended Retrouvaille in 2002. When circumstances improved, we abandoned the community and communication skills learned. This led to a gradual 15-year decline in our marriage. We grew apart and felt hopelessly disconnected.

The wine ran out completely.

Our Lady, the perfect wife and mother, directed me to, “Do whatever He tells you.” Jesus instructed me to fill the empty jars. I began pouring everything into my marriage, to give without counting the cost. I poured in all my pain, hurt, woundedness, brokenness, and imperfections as well. I filled the jars to the brim, gave them to Jesus, and let Him perform the miracle, transforming the muddy water into wine.

I just had to cooperate with His grace. So, we reconnected with the caring couples and CORE ministry that had previously been such a tremendous support. We resurrected intimacy building tools, and I received additional guidance from Dr Mark at the Pastoral Solutions Institute.

Most importantly, we started praying together daily. Both of us began filling the jars to the brim and inviting Jesus to take care of the rest. We received healing and purification through the sacraments (Reconciliation, Holy Communion) and Eucharistic Adoration. Additionally, we drew upon the font of infinite grace available through the Sacrament of Marriage.

To heal wounds and grow in love for each other, we needed to turn to the miracle worker and source of healing love – Jesus Christ.

Today’s devotion was written by Karen Molvar.