As we journey together through Lent, Christians throughout Columbia will be sharing their own beautifully written personal meditations. Each will be accompanied by a corresponding scripture reading, and be linked to that passage in the Holy Bible. If you would like to join us on Columbia’s Lenten journey, please submit your personal meditation by email. Especially meaningful submissions will be printed. Let us continue our Lenten journey, day by day, to its glorious culmination on Easter Sunday.
Scripture reading: John 2:1-12
Early in His ministry Jesus, with His mother and disciples, attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee. During the festivities, the wine ran out. The mother of Jesus Said to Him, “They have no more wine.”
Jesus detaches Himself somewhat from His mother saying, “Dear woman, why do you involve me? My time has not yet come.”
His mother, never referred to by name in John, seems to concede to this statement and tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Jesus tells the servants to fill six stone water jars, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. The jars were filled to the brim. Jesus then directed the servants to draw out some and take it to the master of the banquet. The master tasted the wine, which had been changed by Jesus from water. He remarked to the bridegroom that the best wine was saved for last. The master did not know how this had occurred, though his servants and the disciples knew. This first miraculous sign revealed His glory and His disciples had faith that God was revealed in Him.
We are reminded of this miracle each time we sit in church during a wedding ceremony. The abundance of the best wine from this miracle is a sign of God’s presence. This can be seen as the first of ‘greater things to come.’ God’s gifts to us continue to be given in superabundance and we are free to receive these gifts.
Peggy Lafaye
Retired special education teacher
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia Prayer Chain: Monday, February 18
In our prayers: Elizabeth Jean Emerson, Mary Reames, Richard Smith, Claudia Strattman, Jennifer Williams, Betty Jo Carson, Gary Davis, Eddie Bolton, Myrna, Esther, Pam James, Doug and Sharon, John Kelchner, Elizabeth Matthews, Nedrick Griffin, Jennifer Handy, Nancy Stuckey, Annemarie Sullivan, Greg and Lisa Steele, Dean Timothy Jones, Linda Langford, Marty Fritz, Harriet Hancock, Tommy and Robby Palmer, Patty and Ted Mac Laughlin, Janet Long, Bobby Wilson, Debbie and Pat Barry, Betty Jo Sullivan, Patrick and Patricia Barry, Jordan Hill, Doris Clevenger, Charles Sigel, Bob Davis, John Whatley, Nancy Zuckerman, Charles Davis Sr., Bill Carter, Betty Peavy Frick, Joye Cantrell, Fred and Gail, Dale and Norma Sessions, Padge Arrington, Jerry Callahan, Norman Masters
Special prayers for Mary Ellen’s four-year-old grandson, Joseph Patrick, who is fighting cancer
In memoriam: Glynis Hillary Davis, Neal Jordan, Richard Alvin Guyton, Roxie Mazola Pearson Williams, Ruby Bradley Hopkins, Robert F. Spindler, Everett G. Taylor, Corine Taylor Morris, William Ernest “Bill” Travers
Our prayers are with: the elderly, the homeless, all currently fighting illness, all beloved pets, our president and congress, our police officers and firefighters, all who serve in the armed forces
Columbia Prayer Chain is open to all residents of greater Columbia who would like to share prayers and receive the prayers of others. Please leave your name in the comment box or email me.
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