February 11, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel from the Optional Memorial: John 2:1-11

Reflect on the Word // 

I was a young fiancée finishing my undergraduate degree when I was given an assignment to write a biblical exegesis (an analysis of the text). With all things wedding and marriage on my mind that year, I gravitated towards this Gospel passage of the Wedding at Cana, the starry-eyed romantic in me loving the idea of Jesus at a wedding. Even though I dove in looking for what I wanted—Jesus’ celebration of and blessings upon marriage—Jesus gently revealed a different part of the story to me then, and still does every time I read this story of the Wedding at Cana.

Jesus, You have been so kind to me every time I read about Your first public miracle. How grateful I am that You shared my excitement about my upcoming wedding, and also started to prepare my heart for a deeper relationship with Your Mother and You. The way Your Blessed Mother shows her love and care for us by directing the servants to You makes me desire her help in my life.

I don’t know if the newlywed couple was aware that the wine had run out during their celebration. I also don’t know how Mary knew, but she noticed that detail and cared about the couple’s situation so much that she brought it to Jesus’ attention. Her words, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5), must have been encouraging to the servants, who trusted and heeded Jesus’ direction. It consoles me to consider how much Mary cares for details and how she brings our needs to Jesus.

Her words to the servants echo in my heart often, encouraging me to trust Jesus now, and to not be afraid to live as He directs.

Mary, encouraged by the way you interceded at Cana, I entrust my heart and life to you. Bring my needs to Jesus’ Sacred Heart. Pray for me to follow Him in trust as the servants did. 

The Blessed Mother cares for our joy. She cares about the provision in our lives. As Queen of Heaven, she already knows our needs and desires our holiness. 

Relate to the Lord // On this feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, ask her to intercede for your intentions and the needs of our time.