Pope Francis reflects on wedding at Cana
June 08, 2016
Continuing his series of Wednesday catecheses on mercy, Pope Francis devoted his June 8 general audience to the wedding at Cana.
“We now consider the first of Jesus’ miracles, the changing of water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana,” Pope Francis told the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, according to the official English-language synthesis of his remarks. “St. John fittingly calls these miracles ‘signs,’ for by them the Lord reveals the Father’s merciful love.”
“Jesus’ choice of a wedding feast points to the deeper meaning of this miracle,” Pope Francis continued. “It is a sign of the new covenant that he came to inaugurate, the messianic banquet promised for the end times, where he is the Bridegroom and the Church his bride.”
The Pope added:
By changing the water kept for ritual purification into new wine, Jesus signals that he is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets. Mary’s command to the servants – “Do whatever he tells you” – can serve as a program of life for the Church. We are called constantly to renew our love for the Lord, and to draw new wine, new life, from his saving wounds. The miracle at Cana reminds us that we are invited, as members of the Lord’s family, the Church, to draw near to him in faith, and thus to share in the joy of the wedding feast of the new and eternal covenant.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
