The Wedding at Cana

Everywhere was chaotic.
We were rushed off our feet.
We were used to hard work
but this was different.
This was a wedding feast.
This was fun.
Everything had been prepared
down to the last detail
and all seemed
to be going well.
Our master was pleased
which meant we could relax
for the time being
and enjoy the party –
just so long as we kept
our eyes and ears open
and were ready
to carry out any instructions
that came our way.
Woe betide any of us
caught off guard.
Our master was fair
but he expected
immediate,
unquestioning
obedience.
Suddenly
we noticed a change
and we were instantly
on the alert.
The urgent order came.
‘Fetch more wine’.
We rushed off.
We searched
and
we panicked.
There was no more wine.
How were we going to explain?
What should we say?
Then one of the guests
came over to us.
She must have been watching;
must have realised
the predicament we were in.
She told us to follow
whatever instructions
her son gave us.
Well,
anything was worth a try.
So we waited
expectantly
for him to tell us
where
we could get more wine.
But he didn’t.
He told us to fill the jars
with water.
Water!
We hesitated.
Was he joking?
It was going to take time
to fill the jars;
precious time
we could ill afford
in the circumstances.
And
which of us
was going to dare
to take
water
to the master,
especially in his current mood.
There was more than
our jobs
at stake here.
But
something about him;
something in his voice;
something in his eyes
persuaded us to obey
without question;
without further hesitation.
Putting our full trust
in this man;
this unknown guest
we took the water
to the master
and we offered it to him
to taste.

© Kathleen Wilks