Fill the jars with water
Last evening I was invited to give a talk on the Jubilee Year, to a charismatic prayer group. The talk moved to us talking about the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and particularly about Hope itself and its meaning. We came to a working definition of Hope being the assurance that all promises will be fulfilled.
I believe the young couple who ran out of wine at the wedding feast of Cana, in this week’s Gospel, symbolize those who have run out of Hope. They had planned everything to be abundant, embarking on the joyful beginning of a new life together. Yet, as the celebration unfolded, the joy began to fade, and their preparations fell short.
Mary, noticing their plight, didn’t argue or plead with Jesus. Instead, she instructed the servants with unwavering faith: ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Her trust in Him was absolute. Jesus, moved by His mother’s gentle urging, responded John 2: 1-11 ‘Jesus said to the servants, Fill the jars with water’.
Consider that Jesus did not create the wine out of thin air. He took what they already possessed, the stone water jars and an ample supply of water, and used them to perform his first miracle. I find this very symbolic. Jesus uses what we already have, but may not have noticed or paid attention to, and converts it into an over abundant supply of Hope, if we only let Him.
This act reveals a profound truth about how Jesus works in our lives. He doesn’t demand extraordinary offerings or grand gestures; instead, He transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The stone water jars and water symbolize the mundane and overlooked aspects of our daily lives—our gifts, talents, and even our struggles. When we present these to Jesus with faith and trust, He blesses them and multiplies their impact beyond anything we could imagine.
The overabundance of wine at the wedding reminds us that God’s grace is not just sufficient but overflowing, bringing renewal and joy to the areas of our lives that feel empty or lacking. It challenges us to recognize and trust in the potential of what we already possess, allowing Christ to transform it into a source of hope and renewal.
As we begin this Jubilee year, we may not be very hopeful. We may be starting off the year with doubts, insecurities and anxieties. It may be financial, relational, or health wise. We are doubtful of how the year will unfold. I think Jesus’ words ‘Fill the jars with water’ is an invitation to take what we have, no matter how ordinary or insufficient it may seem, and offer it to Him.
The water in the jars may represent what we perceive as our insuffificent resources. By filling our jars with water, we take the first step in trust, we invest our talents and gifts, acknowledging that while we cannot control the outcomes, we can do our part. Jesus’ invitation reminds us that transformation begins when we respond to His call with Faith, even if we can’t yet see the miracle He is about to perform.
Friends, Sandee in conjunction with CREDI is offering a course in Christian Meditation, Please find details below:
Course Details:
Start Date: February 8th 2025
Duration: 8 weeks
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Location: VENUE: SEMINARY THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE:
MT ST BENEDICT AND ONLINE
Cost: $300.00
Whether you are new to meditation or seeking to deepen your existing practice, this course is open to all who are searching for a way to integrate prayer and mindfulness into their daily lives.
Registration Link