I often wonder about how the perfect inspirations for the Gospels, books that we know were “co-authored” by the Holy Ghost, came about. The Gospel authors were certainly constant participants of divine intimacy. The Holy Ghost would have easily inspired them, given them infused knowledge, or even communicated with them directly. This is certainly, if not most true, about John.

John was very young, and seemed to have loved Our Lord with the innocence of a child. It seems also that John maintained that innocence throughout his entire life. Indeed, we know that John experienced raptures and visions while he was banished to Patmos by Emperor Domitian. In fact, according to Tertullian, the only reason John was banished to Patmos was because Domitian could not manage to kill the man! He definitely tried … he had him thrown into boiling oil. It did not work. See De praescript., xxxvi (“the Apostle John was first plunged, unhurt, into boiling oil, and thence remitted to his island-exile!“).

Epic, right? John clearly continued his intimacy with Our Lord at a level that I doubt anyone alive today can comprehend. Consequently, it is a bit easier to understand how the Holy Ghost could inspire his writings.

But there is a simpler explanation, for some things. That is this: it is (probably) precisely John’s purity and innocence that won him the reward of caring for Our Lady, as his mother, and ours.

Our Lady is the perfect apostle, the Immaculate Conception, the spouse of the Holy Ghost, and both the mother and daughter of God. She has intimacy with each person of the Godhead that transcends anything any other creature in history can comprehend.

Born without the stain of original sin, she also had perfect intellect, keen understanding, infused knowledge, and wisdom. Most significantly (speaking of intimacy) I think very few people contemplate what the title “Spouse of the Holy Ghost” actually means.

It is profound. It is also very accurate and practical. The Holy Ghost even consummated the union, the result of which was the Word made flesh.

And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee.”

And she consented:

“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.”

As an aside, have you ever noticed that Our Lady does not appear to be surprised or intimidated by the fact that an Archangel is speaking to her? No, what she is surprised and troubled by is how greatly he elevated her.

I love that, but I love even more that she did not seem to be frightened or surprised by the presence of the angel one bit. She was more focused on the content of his message, than the fact that he was there giving her one.

Remember, she is likely the most intelligent person to have ever lived. She missed nothing.

Consequently, she noticed when Gabriel gave her a title: “Hail, Full of Grace.”

He did not say “Hail, Mary.” He called her “Full of Grace,” as if that were her name.

Unlike the angel’s “terrible” annunciation to Samson’s mother, he seems clearly submissive here, and he explains the title by then saying: “blessed art thou among women.”

Our Lady saw the ramifications of what the Archangel Gabriel said immediately, of course. Because of her perfect humility, “she was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be.“

Back to the point, she is the Spouse of the Holy Ghost. Does anyone dare say that God is not a perfect spouse? Would God, in His role as spouse, ever be absent? Would he fail to be perfectly nurturing, and comforting? Would he abstain from providing perfect insight, strength, and guidance?

This relationship is not the same as the relationship you, me, and every other human being in history has had with God. It is uniquely intimate. We therefore should not limit it by our own understanding.

Our Lady is amazing in her own human merits, but she would be the first to say that the credit belongs to Our Lord. In fact, the reason she is so amazing is that her “soul doth magnify the Lord.” No doubt, the Holy Ghost gave her great assistance in doing that as well.

Man, I really wish my soul magnified the Lord. What an amazing thing.

John spent decades with Our Lady. Our Lady who was the pristine vessel for God to take on flesh in this world. The Woman who remains espoused to the Holy Ghost even now. She was a literal conduit for divine wisdom on earth after the Ascension, and no doubt the source of the information that the apostles used to describe Our Lord’s younger years. Personally, I think she also helped them understand the later years …

Therefore, I find it incredibly significant that after 30 years of intimacy with the Word made flesh, the Man who was paradoxically both her Son and her God, Mary had a moment of such import that the Holy Ghost ensured that his co-author, John, memorialized it in the second chapter of the last Gospel. I think this account exemplifies Our Lady’s role, even now.

[1] And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there. [2] And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage. [3] And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine. [4] And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come. [5] His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.

Our Lord, having known for all eternity that He would have this very conversation with the little perfect mother that He created, immediately signals the importance of the conversation by citing Genesis 3:15 with the first word in His response: “Woman.”

I find it interesting that some people claim to know and love Jesus, yet simultaneously assume he was being rude, or curt here. It does not take much reasoning to realize how profoundly wrong that is. Mary did not do anything wrong. Even if she had, Jesus is the Eternal Word. He follows His own Commandments perfectly, even now. To suggest otherwise is to suggest that He sinned, which is absurd.

When He said “Honor thy father and thy mother,” he meant it. Therefore, He did so as well, perfectly.

In fact, that is exactly what He was doing. With that one word, he both reminded Our Lady of who she was, and He made it clear for the rest of us for all of salvation history: “I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel.”

Next, Our Lord did not say “what is it to me?” He said “what is it to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.”

The ramifications of this seem pretty heavy to me. He reminds her of who she is, and then of who He is, and finally, of how this has to end.

Was He asking her if she really wanted it all to begin? Was He suggesting that she could influence when “His hour” would begin? Was He reminding her that once things began, they would end with her watching her Son be murdered? Was He warning her that the miracle she requested would set off a series of events that would end in His death?

It seems odd even to discuss, because He knew exactly what would happen, and I would guess that she did as well. So, perhaps He said it for us. If so, then understanding the meaning behind His words is even more important.

Maybe there is more meaning there that people who are smarter than I have already unpacked. I don’t know. But I do know two things for certain: 1) Our Lord told all of humanity that Mary continued to have a unique role in the salvation He brings to the world (“to me and to thee”); and 2) Mary heard and understood every single word. She saw all of the painful ramifications, and she accepted them.

She had been the Spouse of the Holy Ghost for decades at that point. She knew who she was. She knew who He was. She understood the implications of Simeon’s prophecy.

In the face of all of that, she turned to the waiters and said: “Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye” knowing that her Son and God would obey her, and most likely knowing what it would cost her.

That is who Our Lady is.

On this Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, I firmly believe that She is telling her Son yet again: “They have no more wine.”

Ave Maria.

Author Note: I originally addressed this issue on Twitter, some time ago. I incorporated a lot of quotes from Martin Luther in that thread. I thought it was lost with everything else. Thankfully, @AstheRain1 had a copy of the text. I include it here, in pdf form, for anyone who might be interested.

Click to access marygabrielandluther.pdf

https://7thhorn.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/marygabrielandluther.pdf

31 thoughts on ““They Have No More Wine.””

  1. This was a lovely read Michael.

    I was wondering re John miraculously surviving being plunged into boiling oil and then going on to write the book of the apocalypse

    Maybe everyone already knows this and I’m just slow at catching on but is this what Jesus was referring to here?

    I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”
    19
    Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
    20
    Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”)
    21
    When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
    22
    Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
    23
    Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. I’ve read the entire post now and I hesitate to make a comment as this has grabbed my heart to the extent that nothing I could say would be enough. Your love for our Lady radiates outward. I love and appreciate her more now than ever before.
    Thank you, Michael, for posting this 🌷🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Michael: “She [Our Lady] has intimacy with each person of the Godhead that transcends anything any other creature in history can comprehend.”

    If Our Lord is the New Adam and Our Lady is the New Eve, what is their relationship?
    The Lord Jesus was present at the wedding in Cana in Galilee, and his mother was also there, to whom he referred to as ‘woman’. Does this indicate a change in the relationship between them?
    In the Hebrew tradition, it was the groom who arranged the drinks for the wedding, while the bride arranged the food.
    The host of the wedding in Cana praised the groom for the extra wine, which came after everyone had had a good drink and only worse drinks could be expected. Does the appearance of extra wine indicate the start of another wedding? Something like two parties in one.
    Pious tradition gives the name of the groom of Cana of Galilee, Bartholomew, but does not mention the name of the bride. It was undoubtedly a woman, just a woman.
    Have you ever wondered why the Lord Jesus changed his place of residence and why his disciples asked him where he lives now?
    The Lord Jesus sanctified all the sacraments involving his own person, beginning with baptism. How did He sanctify the sacrament of Holy Matrimony?

    Like

    Reply

      1. Chapter 3 in the Gospel of St. John begins with a conversation between the Lord Jesus and Nicodemus regarding the question of rebirth, and ends with this happy observation of John the Baptist [John 3, 29]: “He that has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices in heart because of the voice of the bridegroom: this my joy then is fulfilled.”
        Ephesians [5: 30-32]: “Because we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. This is a great sacrament; but I speak in Christ and in the church.” Whatever we can say about the Church, the same can be said about the Blessed Virgin Mary – and vice versa.

        Matthew [1: 24-25]: “And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. And he knew her not till she brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”
        John [19: 26-27]: “When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.”
        Have you wondered why John the Evangelist and the Blessed Virgin came to live in Ephesus and their home was rediscovered on July 29, 1891? https://www.wherewewalked.info/feasts/07-July/07-29.htm

        Like

        Reply

  5. Thank you for this beautiful reflection. I have been feeling a little bereft, especially thinking about the plight of the carmelite nuns, and frankly the state church, and this bright me to tears. Please, mama, help us, and in turn, we need to do whatever he tells us

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. This is so beautiful. Thank you.
    I hope and pray that you post more of your thoughts. I love Our Lady more after reading this❤️

    Like

    Reply

  9. Thank you, Michael, for this post. I understand from the comments, and your responses, that this post is based on an earlier reflection on this same subject. We are blessed that you are able to make known some part of what our Lord has helped you understand concerning the profound beauty of our Lady.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Theotokos. She is everything I am not; yet she never abandons me. Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Queen of Angels, ora pro nobis.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Every protestant should read this & seriously take to heart the meaning of what’s being said, bc I believe this can help many understand just how important Mother Mary is… to us AND to God!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. I had never caught the “and to thee” part, and I used to be protestant so I’ve likely read that scripture a hundred times. The reason I never caught it is it isn’t there in protestant translations!

    “And Jesus said to her, (D)“Woman, (E)what does this have to do with me?”

    ESV

    4 “Woman,[a](C) why do you involve me?”(D) Jesus replied. “My hour(E) has not yet come.”

    NIV

    Now the Catholic versions

    “And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come.”

    Douay Rheims

    4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.”

    Nrsvce

    I mean I shouldn’t be surprised the protestants cut Our Lady out…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Now … contemplate the ramifications of the damned men who have manipulated scripture (especially Gen 3:15, and verses like this one):

      “I Jesus have sent my angel, to testify to you these things in the churches…. if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from these things that are written in this book.”
      [Apocalypse (Revelation) 22:19]

      Question: What does a damned man walking do?
      Answer: seek to gain the level of trust that the Serpent gained when seducing the first perfectly intelligent and perfectly pure humans.

      Like

      Reply

  15. A wonderfully insightful & provocative read.
    I must thank you, for I did not understand the salutation of “Woman” and never saw the reference to Gen 3:15.

    Our Lady’s intercession; they have no wine.
    And now; they have no Pope.

    These days, when I hear the news spinning their deceptions, the “fear not” comes to mind from Mark 13:7;
    “And when you shall hear of wars and bruits of wars, fear not, for these things must be, but the end is not yet.”

    And at Cana, Our Lady acknowledged and consented for His Ministry to begin, and thus end with the crucifixion. But the end was not yet.
    It takes us longer than Our Lady, but we increasingly acknowledge the Church is being crucified too, but the end is not yet.

    Perhaps we are now to imitate the Blessed Virgin’s actions after Cana as best we can?
    Her humble dignity & sacrifice in accepting what must be, and her fervent prayer guiding the Apostles prior to Pentecost.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. Reading your insights are an inspiration, and inspiration spurs us on.

        A little story about the wedding at Cana.
        Protestants posted me a free King James Bible in January. I’d been looking for a Doauy Rheims, but got stuck wading through the different versions.
        I’d never read the Bible, I’d no Catholic formation in the Novus Ordo and left not knowing faith, or God.
        On my return, I was eager, so I began reading this KJV and loved it, knowing no better!

        Then I got to John 2:4, mine read;
        “Woman, what have I to do with thee?”

        This false reading led to 2 weeks of terrible turmoil & distress. The words of the Rosary would not come out. I forced myself to recommence after 2 weeks. Months passed before I got over it by accepting I did not understand John 2:4.

        Now I have the 1582 Rheims & 1610 Douay, and John 2:4 reads;
        And Jesus saith to her, What is it to me & thee, Woman? my hour cometh not yet.

        If I read that the first time, then no turmoil.
        And that is why one is a free gift and the other costs over a $100.
        But I still needed your explanation of the “Woman”. It completes this story.

        The turmoil was a test from God, from which I think I learnt what accepting the injection & the coming mark will taste like.
        For those losing God’s grace, the physical effects are secondary to the mental. It’s hell.
        We stay the path, no doubt, just faith. God will send us understanding if we earn it.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  16. It’s hard to explain, but it appears that I may have sweated out of my eye sockets after reading this post. Thanks. It was one of your oldies-but-goodies.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It seemed like the right time to reproduce some of it. I heard afterward from someone that he had preserved the original, so maybe I’ll update it in time.

      It’s tough to say things that I’ve already said, when I was at peace with how I said it the first time.

      The second time will never be good enough (for me).

      Like

      Reply

    1. You will be rewarded for this post and your faithfulness to Our Lady. Best words you have ever written. Although, I meditate regularly on these very words almost daily during Rosary it is an amazing help to read them too. Sometimes we need brought out of ourselves to read/hear because it solidifies, confirms and strengthens what is already there. How important for our time of isolation. Thank you ☺️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s