'Transform Me, O, Lord ' written by Ansa Thomas St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Staten Island, NY
Transform Me, O, Lord
“Whatever He says to you, do it.”
(St. John 2:1-11)
The Great Lent is upon us. The Great Lent is a spiritual journey, which helps us to get closer to God. This past Sunday, we recall one of the first miracles, which took place at the wedding feast in Cana.
“And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” St. John 2: 3-6
There are several themes that are in these verses. But, let us focus on the Lord Jesus’ reply to His mother, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” (St. John 2: 4) The Lord Jesus asked His mother what I am supposed to do if the wine is finished. It is almost like asking what do you want from me. For the most part, our parents know what we are capable of and sometimes we tend to surprise them. St. Mary knew that her son was capable to extend a helping hand at the wedding feast. And how many of you have been in this situation before, when your parent or elder asked you to do something and you hesitated or even ignored him/her?
In the next line of the verse, the Lord Jesus also told His mother that it is not time for me to show everyone who I am publicly. It is not time for everyone to know that He is the Son of God. St. Mary did not reply to her son. She replied to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” And Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim” (verse 7). The water changed to wine and it was the best wine. Even though the Lord Jesus gave a quick response to His mother when she requested His assistance, He still helped out. If the wine ran out, the wedding guests would have grumbled and been upset with the newlyweds. The Lord Jesus presented this miracle not only to display His compassion but also to show the glory of God.
We learn so much from this miracle, which is appropriate as we begin the spiritual journey of the Great Lent. We learn obedience; the Lord Jesus listens to His mother and shows compassion and love. St. Mary tells the servants to do the will of her son. What if you were one of those servants at the wedding feast? St. Mary intercedes for us. And she asks us (the servants), Whatever He says to you, do it.” During this Lenten season, ask yourself, can I do the will of God?
Reflecting on your life right now, are you straying from church, from your parents/family, from God? Take those obstacles or forces out of your life that is keeping you away from God. Ask God to wash away your sins, repent. Make the change in your life that will bring you back to Him. Ask the Lord to transform you like He transformed the water into wine.
During this Great and Holy Lent, here are some guidelines to help you on your journey:
- Communicate with God by: reading the Holy Bible daily (look at the Great Lent Scripture guides);
- Praying (prostrating/kneeling) in the morning, afternoon, evening, midnight prayers
- Mediate on Scripture or on the Jesus Prayer: ‘O, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have mercy upon me a sinner’
- Abstain/fast not only from meat, fish, dairy, but also from things/people that hinder your relationship with God (friends, parties, TV, movies, music, habits, behaviors, etc…);
- Be in Communion with God: by receiving Holy Qurbana with a penitent heart
- Help others out: give to those that need help, by donating clothes or food or giving a helping hand
You are not alone in this journey, if you go off course; seek help from the clergy or from your church. This journey is not easy, but if you stay the course, you will grow closer to God. May the Lord guide you and give you strength as you embark on this Lenten voyage.
Questions for Meditation
- Reflection: Are you going down the wrong road? If yes, how can you turn back to God? Are you going down the right road? If yes, how can you stay on it?
- Mediate on the following verse: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10
Author’s Information
Name: Ansa Thomas
Area: St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Staten Island, NY