In the Maronite Church this Sunday, February 7, we celebrate the
Wedding of Cana and the entrance into the next Liturgical Season, Great Lent.
Why is the Wedding of Cana chosen as the Gospel in the Maronite Church
for the beginning of Great Lent? What is its significance?
The theme of the Wedding of Cana is transformation. The Evangelist John
records that at this event, Jesus performs his first public “sign”, or miracle
by changing water into wine, thus making known the beginning of his “hour” of
glorification (cf John 2:11). Our Church uses this sign of transformation to
begin a series of Lenten Sunday celebrations that highlight other
transformations, both physical and spiritual. This series culminates in the
greatest miracle story: the Resurrection, the sign of the new Earth and the New
Heaven, the New Creation. This focus on change should lead us to make the
changes necessary in our own spiritual lives. We move from an earthly wedding
story to considering our life at the eternal Wedding Banquet.
(The
above is a summary from “Captivated By Your Teachings: A Resource Book for
Adult Maronite Catholics” written by Rev. Anthony J. Salim, pp. 136 – 137, 182).
Just a reminder that for Maronites, Ash Monday, is a day of fasting and
abstinence. The Maronite Servants join you in prayer and fasting
during this time of Great Lent. As they say in Arabic, “Sowm Mubarak”.