The First Miracle

I have young children and mass is usually something of a production because I find myself reminding the children of their manners, the rituals, and explaining every word of the liturgy and homily.  Although, it seems easier just to keep them home and teach them this at home, if strongly believe in the community of mass and ritual.

I was fairly sure that today would be no different.  During the silence just before the priest delivers the homily, my son asks (in a very un-whisper-like volume), "Mom does your tongue go all the way to your stomach?  Where does it go and stop?"  Of course, everyone around me heard the question and I got several giggles (from other distracted members).  I answered him, kissed his head and asked to listen to the homily carefully.

Today the homily was about Jesus's first miracle of turning the water to wine at the wedding.  He went into the explanation of how Jesus is not disrespectful to his mother and in the end does precisely what his mother asks him.  He explained why we ask Mary to pray on our behalf.  My kids laughed at the joke the priest made and I even thought I saw understanding on their faces.

Later at Sunday lunch, I asked them if they understood.  This is what they got from the homily, "Even Jesus does what his mom tells him."  This was beautiful and truly wonderful for me.  Being a parent is hard, and it is nice to know that I have the support of the highest authority.  Thanks be to God.