Ordinary Time 
Pause
Slow, steady, deep inhale through the nose, hands on stomach to feel your belly rise.
Slower, steady, deep exhale through the mouth.
Repeat the breath and say FULLNESS as you breathe in.
Say PEACE as you breathe out.
Breathe in, FULLNESS. Breathe out, PEACE.
One more time, allowing your body to reflect your heart’s desire and mind’s focus to pause with the Holy One.
Listen
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They don’t have any wine.”
Jesus replied, “Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn’t come yet.”
His mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
John 2:1-5
Think
I chuckle at Jesus’ response to his mom. I can hear the whining in his voice.
In the translation in my mind, Jesus has an adolescent attitude even though he is an adult man: “Mommmmmm! Leave me alone. It’s not even about that. You don’t even know.” A bothered Jesus is a relatable Jesus, a much more approachable Savior. What ensues is even more relatable. Mother of Jesus sticks to her agenda because as the saying goes, mom knows best. Jesus, this son of God and Emmanuel, listens to his mama.
I wonder if the gospel writer shares this first public miracle of Jesus not because it is grand, festive, and a crowd pleaser, but because of its pragmatism and relatability. Jesus has a mom, and his mom, in her motherly way, urges him to help. It wasn’t his idea, but he listened anyway. What a relatable example and insight into family relationships and dynamics. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to heed the advice of a family member who simply wants us to do what we can to help.
Aram Bae
Pray
God, I confess it’s not always easy to follow advice, even when I know it’s the right thing to do.
Help me to be open to thoughtful counsel.
Help me to reflect wisdom and kindness in my words and actions this day.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Go
May God the Creator bless you and keep you safe today.
May Jesus the Christ smile upon you and be gracious towards you.
May the Spirit of Life lead you in the path of wisdom and peace.
And all of God’s people say: Amen!
