Come to the party, for the wine can’t be missed!
This was the invitation made by Pope Francis at the General Audience this morning in St. Peter’s Square when he reflected on the first of Jesus’ miracles, the changing of water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana.
Recalling Mary’s observation that the newly married couple ran out of wine, Francis lamented how a wedding party could not be properly celebrated if it lacks this necessary element.
While water is necessary for life, the Pontiff explained, «the wine expresses the abundance and joy of the celebration.»
«A wedding party where no wine makes the newlyweds ashamed, imagine you finish the wedding party drinking tea!’ Francis said, noting, «The wine is necessary to the party.»
In this marriage, the Jesuit Pope explained, a new covenant is stipulated, for not just the servants, but the whole Church are entrusted with the mission of doing: «Whatever He tells you.» Serving the Lord, the Pontiff stressed, means hearing and practicing His word, as Mary simply directed the servants to do.
Recalling how the head of the banquet tasted the water that had become wine and said, «You have kept aside the good wine until now,» Francis noted how the Lord «continues to reserve the ‘best wine’ for our salvation.»
The Holy Father observed how St. John called these first miracles ‘signs’ because they were not done to arouse wonder, but to reveal the Father’s tender love. Francis exhorted faithful to realize that they are called constantly «to renew their love for the Lord, and to draw new wine, new life, from His saving wounds.»
Highlighting that at Cana, Jesus’ disciples become His family, Francis reminded faithful that as members of the Lord’s family, the Church, ‘We are all invited to the wedding, because the new wine is not to be missed!»
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