Mary and Marriage

It was a potentially shameful predicament for the bride and bridegroom. Despite the best planning and preparation, the wine vessels ran dry.

Mary, one seemingly ordinary guest among countless others, makes a simple observation.

“They have no wine.” (John 2:3)

The Mother of God lovingly puts forth an extraordinary maternal influence that is singularly and divinely her own from the beginning of time.

She quietly tells the attendants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5)

Through Mary’s intercession, the carpenter’s son revealed His glory as the Son of God and performed His first public miracle at the wedding feast of Cana. Through His presence and in the changing of water to wine; Jesus sanctified marriage, confirmed its goodness, and raised it to the dignity of a Sacrament.

The second Mystery of Light of the Most Holy Rosary should inspire much fruitful contemplation in every Christian marriage.

Where Mary is present, Jesus is present. Where Jesus and Mary are present, not even the smallest need goes unnoticed or unattended.

In the dawn or the twilight of marriage; when human nature requires that cracks get filled and foundations be strengthened; when knots must be loosened and untied; when severed and crooked lines must be reconnected and made straight; there Is Mary and there is Jesus.

In laughter and tears; in prosperity and poverty; in sorrow and joy; in trials and triumph; in darkness and light; in living and dying; there is always Mary and there is always Jesus.

Where Mary is present, Jesus is present. Where Jesus and Mary are present, your vessels will never run dry.

May your marriage feast overflow with the finest wine. May the Son of God reveal His glory in your blessed union, now, and in the years to come.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

© 2023 Brian Kravec

Brian has republished Mary and Marriage in honor of the wedding of his friends, Patrick and Hanna, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The gift of your prayers for Patrick and Hanna are humbly requested and genuinely appreciated.