Ash Wednesday at Cana

Ash Wednesday in Cana. Lent is now upon us, a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. Lent is a season typically associated with sacrifice and giving things up. Our pilgrimage today, however, brought us to Cana, the place of the Lord’s first miracle, where he “manifested his glory” (John 2:11). Quite the opposite of fasting, this is the place where Jesus turned a massive amount of water into wine (nearly 1000 bottles by today’s measure!).
As we prayed in that place, however, it became apparent that Cana has quite a bit to do with Lent, and can help us understand the purpose of our Lenten penances. We generally give up things that aren’t bad in themselves (chocolate, internet, alcohol, etc.), but we empty ourselves of some of these unnecessary pleasures so that space in us can be filled with something greater. The wine had to run out at Cana in order that the glory of Jesus’ miracle might be manifested and that the people feasting there might receive an even better wine. During Lent this year, may every little sacrifice we make create in us an openness to what is greater: the life and the peace that only God can give. May our emptiness be the occasion of our reception of God’s over-abundant grace and life. Thank you for your continual prayers. God be with you.