canaI want to thank my friend Brian Kravec for sharing the following reflection, which is a true inspiration during this month of May. You may also want to take a few moments to read Brian's recounting of his personal consecration to Mary, where he shares that "Consecration makes our individual lives and our marriage a continuous prayer to Jesus Christ. Through the Blessed Mother our ordinary prayers come to fruition in the most extraordinary ways."

Imagine the bride and bridegroom’s embarrassment. Despite the best planning and preparation, the vessels ran dry. Mary, one seemingly ordinary guest amidst countless others, makes the simple observation: "They have no wine." Despite the resistance of the carpenter’s Son, Mary lovingly exerts an extraordinary maternal influence that is singularly and divinely her own from the beginning of time. She quietly tells the attendants: "Do whatever he tells you." (John 2: 3-5)

At Mary’s request, Jesus worked His first miracle at the wedding of Cana. Historically, Christ began His messianic mission and by His presence and the changing of water into wine, the Son of God raised Christian marriage to the dignity of a Sacrament.

This second Mystery of Light of the Most Holy Rosary has inspired much fruitful contemplation in our eighteen-year marriage.

Where Mary is present, Jesus is present. Where Jesus and Mary are present, not even the smallest human need goes unnoticed or unattended. Like all sacramental Christian marriages, hearts are united, love is sealed and the floodgates of Divine Mercy are open.

Years pass and despite the best efforts and intentions, our often fragile nature requires that cracks get filled and foundations be reinforced. Knots are loosened and untied and severed and crooked lines are reconnected and made straight.

There Is Mary.

In our laughter and in our tears, when we thrive or struggle to survive, in our sorrow and in our joy, as we feast and in our famine, in our trials and in our triumphs, in our darkness and in our light, in living and in dying, there is always Mary.

Where Mary is present, Jesus is present. Where Jesus and Mary are present our vessels need never run dry.

Now, and in the years to come, may the vessels of your marriage feast overflow with the finest, new wine.


Copyright 2010 Brian Kravec

About the Author

Brian K. Kravec

Brian K. Kravec

Brian is a cradle Catholic, husband and father. He's the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Possibility Productions, a 501(c)(3) faith event evangelization apostolate in service of the Body of Christ. Brian has proudly served the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno on the Board of Directors for KNXT Catholic Television, is the Steward of St. Patrick’s Faith Event Ministry for his local parish and a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Brian and his wife are consecrated members of the Militia Immaculata. For information on the MI and Total Consecration visit Consecration.com.