Wedding at Cana

The Wedding at Cana is the account in John 2:1–11 of Jesus's first miracle — turning water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, at his mother Mary's intercession. The Catechism calls it the moment when Jesus "manifested his glory" for the first time (CCC 1613).

The Event

At a wedding in Cana, the wine ran out. Mary told Jesus: "They have no wine." Jesus responded: "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." Yet Mary told the servants: "Do whatever he tells you." Jesus had six stone water jars filled with water, which he turned into wine — and the master of the feast declared it the finest wine served (John 2:1–11).

The Significance of Mary's Intercession

This event is the paradigm of Marian intercession: Mary notices a need, brings it to Jesus, and instructs others to do whatever he says. The Church has always seen this as the model of how Mary continues to intercede for the faithful — noticing needs, presenting them to her Son, and directing people to him (CCC 2618).

The Deeper Symbolism

The Catechism notes the deeper significance of the wedding feast: marriage is the context of Christ's first sign, pointing to the marriage between Christ and the Church that he came to establish. The wine that runs out is a type of the old covenant; the new and better wine is a type of the new life in Christ (CCC 1613).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus call his mother "Woman"? This form of address, though unusual in modern ears, was respectful in the ancient world. Jesus uses it here and again at the cross (John 19:26). Both moments echo Genesis and point to Mary's role as the New Eve — "the woman" whose offspring crushes the serpent's head (CCC 2618).