The brief conversation between Jesus Christ and Mother Mary has generated a lot of curiosity in the theological colloquium. Jesus’s response to Mother Mary, Woman, why does this concern us? (John 2:4) has often led to a kind of misunderstanding that attempts to distance Mother Mary from Jesus Christ. This misunderstanding could only be corrected by Jesus Himself in whom God the Father has set forth His wisdom and insight (Ephesians 1:7-9; Matthew 13:11). Therefore, at the outset, let us submit to the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:2) who has promised the Holy Spirit to be guided in the truth (John 16:13). 

The enigmatic nature of Jesus’ response (to Mother Mary) could be witnessed in His conversation with others too. For instance, in his statements to Nicodemus (John 3:1-8) and the Samaritan woman (John 4:10-14) Jesus opens the door of divine mysteries which otherwise would have remained inconceivable to carnal minds. At a deeper realm, the nature of such conversations demonstrate a perfect balance between Jesus’ human and divine nature. Jesus is seen using His human faculties to help, encourage, support and motivate mankind transformed from ‘natural man to spiritual man’ (John 14:17; 1 Corinthians 2:14). This subscribes to Clement of Alexandria’s (AD 150-AD 215) statement, ….the Word of God became a man so that you might learn from a man how to become a god. 

The inseparable role of Mother Mary in the earthly ministry of Lord Jesus Christ is clearly visible in the gospel of Saint John where we see Mother Mary physically present from the beginning (John 2:1) till the end (John 19:25). Moreover, the role of Mother Mary is extended to be included in the ministry of the Apostles. Hence Jesus handed her to his disciple and said Here is your mother (John 19:27). This verse continues saying From that time on, the disciple took her into his home. The tradition of the church has it that, ever since, Mother Mary was a key and respectful figure in the ministry of the Apostles until her death. This traditional ascription of a ‘status’ to Mother Mary continues ever since in the Orthodox Church, her role being elevated to an intercessor. More importantly, at the beginning of the Great Lent, her words Do whatever He tells you (John 2:5) clearly demonstrates the Mother’s spiritual guidance helping us to be transformed as the children of resurrection (Luke 20:36). 

The (six) stone water jars (standing nearby) were customary to the Jewish tradition, and were meant for purification (John 2:6). Jesus re-interpreted the Jewish purification process by taking those present through a spiritual journey of first asking to fill the jars with the same water that they had always been using, and then to draw the same water out which was transformed by His word. Jesus’ statement You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you (John 15:3) underpins the church’s faith, tradition and rituals firmly rooted in the word of God. The stone jars were standing there for ages but had never produced wine. However, when the word of God was pronounced the water that they were holding immediately turned into wine.  This discernment prompts us to humble ourselves during this Great Lent that we are just earthen vessels and need divine guidance from the Holy Church enriched with the word of God. Saint Paul reminds us of the need for this humility when he said, But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us (2 Corinthians 4:7). 

The Great Lent in the Orthodox Church begins with an official ‘Shubkono’ (reconciliation/forgiveness) service, during which we humble ourselves and seek reconciliation with our fellow beings through forgiving and forgetting. Once reconciled, we enter into a spiritual fellowship with other members in the body of Christ to forge unity to fight against Satan and his army. Saint Paul continued, We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; prosecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).  These verses reflect how our Lenten journey would look like. In simple terms, Saint Paul’s statements in this section could be linked to the 40 days of tough fight against Satan, before the beginning of which reconciliation and unity with our brethren, and forging of unity is essential. No matter how beautiful and strong the earthen vessel is, only unity and nothing else can deliver a strong blow to Satan.  

The spiritual transformation of mankind was the primary purpose of Jesus’ ministry. The transformation of water into wine as a sign at the start of His ministry signals the beginning of something ‘new’. Isaiah prophesied this new beginning and said Remember not the former things, nor consider things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth….(Isaiah 43: 18-19). This vision was validated by none other than the Son of God, in the revelation to Saint John, Behold, I am making all things new (Revelations 21:5). Isaiah’s prophecy (43:18) could be seen fulfilled when the master of the banquet called the bridegroom and said Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk, But you have saved the fine wine until now (John 2:10). As a matter of fact, the fine wine was only served from the cross of our Lord, after which He said It is finished (John 19:30). It is spiritually enthralling to see that Jesus received the cheap wine on the cross (John 19:30) and gave back the fine wine (His blood) to mankind before concluding His mission on earth. 

As soon as Jesus uttered the last words It is finished (John 19:30), the kingdom of Satan was rocked and shattered by the blood (new wine) of Jesus Christ. This was the beginning of the realisation of transformation for mankind. The new fine wine that dismantled the demonic stronghold was manifested on the day of Pentecost when suddenly from heaven there came a sound of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit….(Acts 2:1-4). The transformation that started at Cana and finished on the cross was first experienced by mankind on the day of the Pentecost. This was witnessed by thousands, including those who were still under the influence of demons who sneered and said They are filled with new wine (Acts 2:13). The clear surrender of Satan to the ‘transformation’ is clearly reflected in this statement. This helpless statement reminds us of the lamentation of the Pharisees among themselves You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him (John 12:19). 

The power of transformation is clearly reflected in the Pharisaic lamentation and the demonic sneering. The Great Lent enables us to achieve this transformation and prevail over the gates of Hades (Matthew 16:18). In order to achieve this power we need  to unite with the spiritual world where we have Mother Mary, the disciples and our fore-fathers, and with this world where we have our brethren and fellow citizens. This tripartite agreement and unification is the power that we acquire during this Great Lent- to fight and dismantle all demonic resistances and strongholds. Let us submit ourselves to the word of God so that Lord Jesus may transform us to a new life in Him. 

Wish you blessed Great Lent.

May God bless you. Amen.

In His service

Fr Dr Saji K. Mathew