"On the third day after Jesus' baptism, 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.

After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there for a few days."

Mark 1: 9-11 (NRSV)

Mary's presence at Jesus' first miracle - and the fact that she knows he is ready for the next step almost before he does - shows how deeply she has pondered the mysteries surrounding his life and senses the time is right for him to show the power within him. Mary's role as intercessor has been recognised throughout the history of the Church - one who sees the pain or even, as in this case, potential embarrassment and humiliation, and draws her Son to it. Many miracles have been attributed to her intercession - but even knowledge of her prayer is a source of comfort for those who yearn for them.

Many people live in hope of a miracle - the "magic" that will ease pain - take away sorrow - stop something happening - or cause it to happen... In faithful intercession, they may find that the miracle is not the one they wanted but that they receive a deeper healing - a more profound sense of God's love for them.

Pray for those desperate for a miracle.

     Mary, Lady of witness to miracle,
     you saw your son turn water into wine
     but, more powerfully, healing those in desperate need.
     Commend to your Son those desperate for a miracle -
     and, with him, give the grace of understanding that God loves them with an infinite love
     and will work to their greatest good.