6 Mary of Cana

Start:

Allow your body and mind to slow down.  Become aware of the presence of God.

Light the candle which symbolises the light of Christ.

 

Hope:  To hear God’s call in my life and to be willing to respond generously.

 

Begin with a brief conversation with God asking to be open for the grace whichat you hope for during this retreat.

 

Introduction:

Like Mary of Cana we are sensitive to the needs of others. We invite the young to do whatever Jesus bids. In an age of self-centredness, we feel for others.

 

Cana small2John 2:1-11 | 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.

 

First Exercise, Lectio: What does the text tell me?

Read the Scripture passage slowly, at least twice. 

If a word or phrase or idea seems important, take note of it.

 

 

 

 

Second Exercise, Meditatio: What do I say to God in light of the text?

Allow the important word, phrase or idea to enter your thoughts.

Be with the words, recognising that you are in God’s presence.

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead your awareness of the words.

 

Third Exercise, Oratio: Prayer

Let your heart speak to God.

Use the words of the Scripture passage or the thoughts that emerged during your reflection on them.

 

Fourth Exercise, Contemplatio: Contemplate in silence and quiet.

Let go of words or thoughts and allow yourself to rest in the presence of God

in simple and wordless contemplation.

Listen to God, open your mind and heart to the influence of God.

 

Thoughts to Ponder:

“Do whatever He tells you”

 

Prayer:

Thank God for this time of reflection.

Thank God for the grace that you have received.

 

Loving God,
thank you for this time of reflection.