Day 28 - Cana

Virtue: Continual Prayer (continued)

"Rejoice always, 

pray continually, 

give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Mary was a woman of continual prayer. Her heart was always ready to obey God because of her constant communion with the Holy Spirit. As a child she learned to pray and was in the regular habit. When she became the Mother of God, her prayer life took on depth beyond our understanding. She communicated with God in a personal way that only His Mother could. Today, she remains in intimate communication with Him, and is always ready to bring the needs of her children to Him. 

At the wedding feast of Cana (John 2:1-12), Mary asks Jesus for more wine to meet the needs of the wedding guests. Their interplay teaches us several things. First, Mary recognized the needs of the people and interceded for them. The wedding feast of Cana can be seen as symbolic of the wedding feast of the lamb (heaven). Mary is there and ready to present our needs to the Lord. She, who is close to the heart of her Son, will run with our prayers to His heart and plead our case. This also reminds us that we are called to become intercessors for those around us who have needs. Intercession is an important part of prayer. 

Second, Mary teaches us that when we bring our petitions to the Lord, we have to trust in His plan above all things. Sometimes the answer to our prayers is not what we think it should be. Mary made a request to Jesus, then she said, "Do whatever He tells you." She did not expect that the need would be immediately answered or how she wanted it to be. She trusted that Jesus knew what would be best for the people and allowed Him to do that. 

Third, Cana teaches us about habitual prayer. Mary was in the habit of asking the Lord what to do. When she found out that there was a shortage of wine, she didn't try to solve the problem on her own. She immediately ran to Jesus and let Him handle the situation.  Jesus hesitated to perform the miracle at Cana, because He knew that it meant the beginning of His public ministry. He knew that it would be the first step towards Calvary, His response to His mother is not a denial but a question of timing. 

We can become so upset when we don't think our prayers are being answered. Mary's trust in God's perfect timing reminds us that when we bring our needs to the Lord, He always answers. Sometimes, we don't have eyes to see the answer. Sometimes, we chose not to believe. Sometimes, the answer is a question of timing. Sometimes, the answer is no because there is a greater good to come. Mary's response, "Do whatever He tells you" reminds us to trust and to be at peace with whatever God has planned. 

Mary's continual prayer was evident the many ways she brought her needs and joys to the Lord throughout her day. However, her relationship with Him was more than just quick conversations. She is also an example of deep and fulfilling prayer, long conversations with the God whom she loved. In both the Nativity (Luke 2:15-20) and the Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:46-51), we read that Mary "pondered these things in her heart." Mary practiced prayer of the heart, that was not just momentary but continuous. To ponder with the heart requires love and attention; it is difficult but necessary and beneficial. It takes quiet time to be still. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that it is the heart that prays. If our hearts are far from God then our words of prayer are in vain (CCC 2562). As Mary did, we should think about the things of the Lord, ponder them, and allow them to touch and move our hearts. Then, His word begins to transform our lives. 

Today's Challenge: 

Spend at least ten minutes in prayer with God's word today. Also, talk to God throughout your day. 

Today's Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, spending time with you in prayer brings new life to my soul and joy to my day. Please help me to find time today to hide away in your presence. I seek you with all my heart, ponder your goodness and truth, and long to be in touch with you continually. 

Mary, Mother of continual prayer, pray for us! Amen. 

More Quotes from Saints on Prayer: 

"To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it." - Mother Teresa 

"Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and it raises man to Heaven. - St. Ephraem 

"For me prayer is a surge of the heart, it is a simple look towards Heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trail and joy." - St. Therese of Lisieux 

"Pray with great confidence, with confidence based upon the goodness and infinite generosity of God and upon the promises of Jesus Christ. God is a spring of living water which flows unceasingly into the hearts of those who pray." - St. Louis de Montfort