wine cooler
"At a certain point the wine ran out." —John 2:3
We're running out of wine. The Spirit is stifled; prophecy is despised (1 Thes 5:19-20). The salt has lost its flavor. We are "good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot" (Mt 5:13). The devil is attacking us rather than vice-versa (Mt 16:18). We need new wine, but all we have is water — lots of baptized people but few who are Spirit-filled.
With Mary, we turn to Jesus and say: "We have no more wine." We don't know what to say or do. Mary tells us: "Do whatever He tells you" (see Jn 2:3-5). Jesus wants to change our watered-down Christianity into the new wine of life in the Spirit, but we must obey Him by faith. The Holy Spirit is "given to those who obey Him" (Acts 5:32).
Jesus commands us to go to our Jordan and meet our John the Baptizer. We don't feel like going; in fact, we're afraid and very uncomfortable. However, Mary says: "Do whatever He tells you" (Jn 2:5). Finally, almost begrudgingly, we go. We humble ourselves and ask to be prayed over for the Spirit. As the Lord is true to His word, we receive new wine, the renewal of our Confirmation.
Prayer: Father, give me gifts, ministries, and works in the power of the Spirit for the common good (1 Cor 12:4-7).
Promise: "As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you." —Is 62:5
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who constantly pours out His Spirit anew!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Praying for a New Pentecost or our audio tapes AV 92A-1, AV 92A-3, AV92B-1 or our video series of two tapes that starts with V-92A.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2006
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