In the neighbourhoods worst hit by the pandemic, when public worship was suspended, many east London Christians turned to this form of prayer. The People's Rosary Project is sharing their experience and insights.
This week, we are sharing reflections from local Christians on the second Luminous Mysteries, the Wedding at Cana.
Click here for an introduction to the People's Rosary Project, and links to meditations on the five Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
Click here for the meditation on the first Luminous Mystery, the Baptism of the Lord
The Wedding at Cana
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.
When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’
Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.’ So they took it.
When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.’
Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
John 2.1-11
Time after time in these Mysteries, God is revealed as the one whom he says he is. Are we paying attention to what he is saying to us?
Early in the pandemic, Caroline Alfred started an online Rosary group in one of the neighbourhoods which has been worst affected by Covid-19. Here she explains to Frankie Webster the hope she finds in this mystery.
When I pray this mystery, my objective is to ask that God increase my faith and conviction that what he wants for me is joy... I pray this not only for myself, but for all who experience pain in this time
Watch Sister Bora reflecting on this mystery, and how it leads her into intercession for those who experience isolation, fear and grief at this time.
The words Mary addresses to the servants come to crown the wedding of Cana: “Do whatever he tells you.” These are her last words recounted by the Gospels: they are the legacy that she hands down to us.
Today too Our Lady says to us all: “Whatever he tells you — Jesus tells you, do it”. It is the legacy that she has left us: it is beautiful... And indeed at Cana the servants obey. “Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water’. And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast’. So they took it."
For each one of us, to draw from the jar is equivalent to entrusting oneself to the Word of God in order to experience its effectiveness in life.
Thus, together with the steward of the banquet who had tasted the water-become-wine, we too can exclaim: “you have kept the good wine until now.” Yes, the Lord continues to reserve the best wine for our salvation, just as it continues to flow from the pierced side of the Lord.
Pope Francis, June 2016
You are invited to pray the Rosary now.
Hail Mary, full of grace, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus who turned the water into wine.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
If you have not prayed the Rosary before, you can read our introductory page here.
The People's Rosary is a project of the Centre for Theology and Community and De Mazenod Retreat House in east London.
We are grateful for the support of the Lady Peel Trust in developing this project.
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