“They have no wine … how does this request concern me.” In all honesty, pastoral experience in USA Hispanic communities has deepened my understanding of this Gospel. I suppose it would be the same in any hard scrabble ethnic community anywhere. I recall the Thorton’s telling me about their wedding Mass and reception in a German American community in rural Kansas. There was a blizzard. Many missed the wedding. The reception and its dancing and beer went off without a hitch, blizzard or no blizzard. Families that host parties, especially in villages and pueblos, are filled with pride and excitement and enthusiasm. Villagers are known for pulling together and gossiping and remembering slights and slips. So, the family who hosted the wedding reception in Galilee and elsewhere lasted for days—were facing embarrassment and shame. The Mother of Jesus intervenes. Just as she does in our lives. Jesus is the one sent who dwells among us. He’s beyond human worries about shame—about himself that is. His passion and suffering would’ve been embarrassing if it was not how he transformed us into love. The superabundance, 125 gallons, is a sign of the gift he brings. His love is abundant and overflowing. Always. The combination of the anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King and the inauguration of a new president reminds us of the social compact and how we are called to respect human beings, even when we differ socially or ethnically or in religious tradition. America as a people has come a long way and we have further to go for sure. The churches of St Monica and St Augustine are hosting a national workshop in February: The Church in Black and White. All are welcome. Ken Coughlin will have a bible study class this Sunday, january19 at 10:30am.