do whatever He tells you

Today in the One Year Bible, we read about Jesus's first miracle and Mary's last recorded statement, in John 2: 1-25. They're at a wedding in Canaa, and the wine runs out. Mary sees this need and tells Jesus. He knows it's not quite time for His public ministry, so He demurs. But she persists, and tells the servants to do whatever He tells them to do. He acquiesces, and His first miracle is to provide wine for a marriage celebration.

Now, we Christians have different ideas about Mary. Catholics see Mary as someone given the gift of being without sin from conception, which is what "Immaculate Conception" means. That means she was sinless throughout her entire life, having been given that grace by Jesus from the beginning of her existence. Protestants do not see her as being sinless, but do see her as having given birth to Jesus miraculously, never having been with a man.

However, we can all agree that Mary was a great example for us to follow. She said "yes" to God in such a way that it brought salvation to the whole world. And in today's story, her last recorded words are a phrase that we should all take to heart: "Do whatever He tells you." Not only should we DO what she said, we should SAY what she said to anyone who wants to live a good and happy life.

God, thanks for giving us the gift of Mary, who teaches us to do whatever You say.