Our Venerable Father and Confessor Basil, Bishop of Parios (741-75)
Acts 3:19-26; John 2:1-11
Read John 2:1-11
Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!
Today’s gospel reading introduces us to the first of the seven signs, as John calls it, of our Lord JC – the transformation of water into wine. Through these signs Jesus manifests His glory and goodness, revealing Himself as the Messiah to all Israel.
Looking more specifically at the headwaiter’s comment, “but you have kept the good wine until now”, implying it had to be served from the very beginning, it shows us that when the Lord is invited to step into the picture, amazing things happen.
Not only did Jesus miraculously turn the water into wine, but He also transformed it into good wine, superior to the one the bridegroom provided for his guests. And on top of that, plenty of it as well, so there will not be a shortage of wine anymore at the wedding.
The Lord’s presence and the might of His work bring about the unexpected, the unheard of, the best. The goodness of God is far greater than we can anticipate or even comprehend; it exceeds our expectations. Moreover, it comes in abundance so that there is no longer a need for more.
The Lord’s goodness is readily available for each of us, whether we approach Him directly through sincere and truthful prayer, or we humbly ask for something through the intercession of His Mother.
Just as the Lord’s mother did not hesitate to ask Her Son and our Lord and Savior for help in time of need, so we ought not be hesitant to do likewise, whenever we are in need of help, or our neighbor or even the whole world.
May we find the courage and faith to trust in the Lord that He will provide for all of His creation.