Mary Magdalene Title


Mary Magdalene ImageIn the Fourth Gospel, there is an episode related to a marriage that may, in fact, have been Jesus' own--the wedding at Cana. This episode is, of course, the wedding at Cana--a familiar enough story. But for all its familiarity, there are certain salient questions attending it that warrant consideration.

From the account in the Fourth Gospel the wedding at Cana would seem to be a modest local ceremony--a typical village wedding whose bride and groom remain anonymous. To this wedding Jesus is specifically "called"--which is slightly curious, perhaps, for he has not yet really embarked on his ministry. More curious still, however, is the fact that his mother "just happens," as it were, to be present. And her presence would seem to be taken for granted. It is certainly not in any way explained.

What is more, it is Mary who not merely suggests to her son, but in effect orders him, to replenish the wine. She behaves quite as if she were the hostess. "And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, 'They have no wine.' Jesus saith unto her, 'Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come.'" (John 2:3-4) But Mary, thoroughly unperturbed, ignores her son's protest. "His mother saith unto the servants, 'Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.'" (John 2:5) And the servants promptly comply--quite as if they were accustomed to receiving orders from both Mary and Jesus.

Jesus Image Despite Jesus' ostensible attempt to disown her, Mary prevails; and Jesus thereupon performs his first major miracle, the transformation of water into wine. So far as the Gospels are concerned, he has not hitherto displayed his powers, and there is no reason for Mary to assume he possesses them. But even if there were, why should such unique and holy gifts be employed for so banal a purpose? Why should Mary make such a request of her son? More importantly still, why should two "guests" at a wedding take on themselves the responsibility of catering--a responsibility that, by custom, should be reserved for the host? Unless, of course, the wedding at Cana is Jesus' own wedding. In that case it would indeed be his responsibility to replenish the wine.

There is further evidence that the wedding at Cana is in fact Jesus' own. Immediately after the miracle has been performed, the "governor of the feast"--a kind of major-domo or master of ceremonies--tastes the newly produced wine. "The governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him. Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse; but thou has kept the good wine until now." (John 2:9-10) These words would clearly seem to be addressed to Jesus. According to the Gospel, however, they are addressed to the "bridegroom." An obvious conclusion is that Jesus and the "bridegroom" are one and the same.


Holy Blood, Holy Grail
Page 331 - 333


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Holy Blood, Holy Grail
by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln
Mary Magdalene
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3
Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6
Other Resources
References   Magdalene Links


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