BREAKING NEWS; BELFAST PROCLAIMS 'WE ARE INVOLVED IN THE LARGEST HUMAN RIGHTS STRUGGLE IN THE HISTORY OF HUMANITY'
Sunday, July 3, 2016
BREAKING NEWS; BELFAST PROCLAIMS 'WE ARE INVOLVED IN THE LARGEST HUMAN RIGHTS STRUGGLE IN THE HISTORY OF HUMANITY'
 |
| Mrs Fionnula McArdle, center, with Precious Life Bernadette Smyth and Colleague |
THOUSANDS STREAMED TO BELFAST FROM IRELAND AND ENGLAND TO PROTECT UNBORN CITIZENS.
Many protesters began the day in prayer. Thousands packed churches in Belfast, so full that many had standing room only.
In one church, a hand painted portrait of an unborn child graced the portal.
The presiding Priest spoke of Jesus' call to us to have mercy; and to love our neighbour.
He emphasized the point - protesters nodding everywhere - that
"This is the heartbeat of the Prolife movement; to become neighbour to the unborn child.
To become neighbour to the oppressed woman with the oppressed pregnancy."
After Mass many came forward to pray at the Our Lady of Guadalupe image in front of the altar. [1]
Thereafter, spiritually refreshed and much cheered, protesters made their way to Custom House Square in Belfast through the pouring rain.
 |
| Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe |
 |
| OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, PRAY FOR US |
Of good cheer
Mirth and good humour were the hallmark of the day. As the rain poured down, protesters of all ages and mobility steadfastly stood. The downpour did not deter anyone from completing the protest.
As one protester remarked, "It's raining on our parade!" while the other one laughingly quipped, "We're people of all weathers - rain, snow, wind or sun, we're out to protect life!"
 |
The dogs were thrilled to be out, and loved the rain.
One little dog, after frisking in the rain, tired of it. The puppy took shelter under a human umbrella.
One passerby quipped, "Now it's even Pets for Life!"
Indeed. The Prolife Movement has grown so strong in Ireland that fellow protesters have taken to flying in from other countries to support the people of Ireland at the Rallies.
Campaigners for Life
 |
| Bernadette Smyth of Precious Life NI |
Luminous Bernadette Smyth took to the stage, and affirmed all of Ireland's protest against proposed changes to Northern Ireland's abortion laws; namely, 1861 Offences Against the Person Act, and the Criminal Justice Act 1945. [2]
Niamh Ui Bhriain challenged the call for Independent TD Mick Wallace's bill to allow terminations of pregnancies in cases of fatal foetal abnormality.
 |
| Niamh Ui Bhriain The bill has been advised as unconstitutional, by Attorney General Maire Whelan. [3] |
Meabh Mairead McArdle
Little Meabh was born at 23 weeks gestation, her weight 1 pound. Her proud mom Fionnula spoke to the crowds at the Rally about her little girl.
In England, Wales and Scotland, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. [4]
The number of pro-choice campaigners who have told me that there is no baby, the foetus is simply a blood clot, are proven wrong by the living breathing lassie smiling from the poster.
Meabh - her family from Andersonstown in the west of Belfast - shows just how wonderful the miracle of life is. [5]
Fatal Foetal Abnormality Bill
Minister for Health Simon Harris, reflecting on the legal advice available in relation to constitutional issues surrounding the bill, apprised the following as reported on 30th June 2016;
"I am informed by the Chief Medical Officer that the circumstances in which such a situation would arise do not exist in medical practice.
It can never be said that a foetus with a fatal foetal abnormality will not be born to live for a short time, even if that is only to be minutes, to draw a breath and to have a detectable heartbeat. If a foetus has the capacity to be born, it has the protection of the constitution.
"Any Bill that provides for termination in these circumstances, as this Bill does, would not be constitutional and would also not be medically practicable", Alleged News. [6]
 |
| Unborn Baby - with thanks to the artist, Belfast Church |
Britain for Life
 |
| Ms Isabel from March For Life UK |
Ms Isabel from March For Life UK addressed the Rally. She called out,
"Thank you, Ireland, for facing the
culture of death head on!
For not giving up this battle."
Isabel quoted recent statistics on abortions in the UK. [7]
185 824 little babies met their death by abortifacient drug Mifegyne, vacuum aspiration [recommended at up to 15 weeks gestation] and dilitation and evacuation [D & E], recommended where gestation is greater than 15 weeks; Alleged News. [8]
In other words, one hundred and eighty five thousand, eight hundred and twenty four little innocent children were brutally attacked in the womb, and torn apart by various methods inflicting torture; namely,
- being killed by chemical drug
- being torn apart by powerful suction aided by sharp knife like surgical instruments [9]
- being literally cut to pieces within the womb [10]
Thus the unborn citizens of today and the taxpayers of tomorrow are brutally condemned and killed within the womb.
March For Life UK
Where is the outcry? British people are rising up against this terrible assault on human rights.
March For Life UK are vigorously protesting abortion in the United Kingdom. [11]
IRELAND SUPPORTS THE
UNITED KINGDOM IN ITS
FIGHT AGAINST ABORTION
FIGHT AGAINST ABORTION
Non-resident Abortions Drop
Isabel highlighted the fact that the UK Abortion Statistics show that abortions to women resident outside England and Wales, have dropped.
The number of abortions to non-residents, principally from the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland, dropped in 2015 to 5,190 - "the lowest in any year since 1969", Alleged News. [12]
The people of Ireland are voting by quantifiably falling numbers against abortion.
We are settled in for the long haul
People came from all over Ireland to proclaim; we are settled in for the long haul.
We will NEVER ACCEPT ABORTION.
Niamh Ui Bhriain proclaimed, "We are the Pro-Life majority of Ireland and we stand for life!"
"We will go door to door, to the churches, to the meeting places; we will not be cowed.
We are going to win; mothers and unborn babies will be protected."
Silence
A minute of silence was held in remembrance of Baby David, a little child who was aborted by abortion pill in Belfast and thrown in the garbage by his mother; Alleged News. [13]
The housemates of the mother - who found the baby - were deeply traumatised.
"The baby had hands, feet, all its facial features, its little nose. I can't stop thinking that it might have been alive when it was born. It is awful," one of them said; Alleged News. [14]
Traffic at standstill
The sheer volume of protesters brought the traffic of Belfast to a stop.
As the downpour continued, protesters steadfastly marched through the city.
 |
| PERSONHOOD BEGINS AT CONCEPTION |
Three pro-choice representatives had just been calling out at the Rally protesters, affirming their support for abortion.
The gentleman stood there quietly. The deep wisdom and reflection on his face gave way to a steadfast resolve.
Slow clap
He began a slow clap in honour of all the protesters. As hundreds after hundreds of men, women, children, babies, people in wheelchairs, ministers of religion, people from other countries processed before him, he stood - unheeding of the rain - continuing the slow victory clap.
Other pedestrians stopped to gather around him, and joined in the slow clap.
Protection of the Unborn
Yes, citizens of Ireland and the United Kingdom;
we will never stop protecting the rights of the unborn child, the child with Down's syndrome, the child with a foetal condition able to bless us with their short lives.
We will never stop crying out the truth;
ABORTION IS MURDER.
THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND WILL NEVER ACCEPT ABORTION.
Quotes from the Rally
"This is the new human rights movement of the 21st century"
"We are involved in the largest human rights struggle in the history of humanity"
"We are a force to be reckoned with; we have Almighty God on our side.
We will have justice because this is our heritage, our blessing from God.
With the help of God, we will have victory"
"We're the Pro-Life majority and we stand for life!"
"Our laws are on the right side of history"
"Abortion is evil"
"Injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere"
"We follow the spirituality of life"
"Every human being is our neighbour - including the unborn child"
"We [need] to create the conditions for others to see what we see - the unborn child as our neighbour"
"We need to express the reality of abortion"
Benediction
As Isabel from March For Life UK concluded her words to the massive crowds, she called out;
"GOD BLESS YOU, IRELAND
GOD BLESS YOU,
GOOD PEOPLE OF IRELAND"
WHY NOT JOIN THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT?
Youth Defence
Precious Life
March For Life UK
MEET THE PROTESTERS
 |
| "Tell the world that Ireland is pro-life and proud of it!" |
 |
| Carrying the Pro-Life Banner |
 |
| I'm Pro-Life |
 |
| The 8th Amendment has saved 250,000 Lives |
 |
| Every Life matters. Abortion is not the answer |
 |
| CHOOSE LIFE |
[1] Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Pro-Life Movement
http://www.priestsforlife.org/articles/2791-our-lady-of-guadalupe-and-the-pro-life-movement
[2] Thousands at Belfast City Centre Anti-Abortion Rally
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-28177462
[3] Abortion Bill Ireland declared Unconstitutional by Attorney General, Alleged News
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.ie/2016/06/breaking-news-abortion-bill-ireland-set.html
[4] NHS Choices - Abortion - When it is carried out; Alleged News
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Abortion/Pages/When-should-it-be-done.aspx
[5] Miracle baby born FOUR months early with less than 1% chance of survival still fighting for life, Alleged News
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/miracle-baby-born-4-months-7125606
[6] Dail told foetal abortion bill is 'unconstitutional', Alleged News
http://utv.ie/News/2016/06/30/Dail-told-foetal-abortion-bill-is-unconstitutional-60859
[7] Abortion Statistics, England and Wales: 2015; Alleged News
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/529344/Abortion_Statistics_2015_v3.pdf
[8] Abortion Statistics, England and Wales: 2015; Pages 9 & 17; Alleged News
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/529344/Abortion_Statistics_2015_v3.pdf
[9] Vacuum or suction aspiration;
'Abortion - this is a suction abortion'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBOAPleF1t0
[10] Second Trimester Surgical Abortion: Dilation and Evacuation [D & E]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgw4X7Dw_3k
[11] March For Life UK
http://www.marchforlife.co.uk/
[12] Abortion Statistics, England and Wales: 2015; Alleged News - Page 21
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/529344/Abortion_Statistics_2015_v3.pdf
[13] Where is the Moral Outcry?
http://www.preciouslife.com/news/277/where-is-the-moral-outcry/
[14] Housemates of Irish girl who self-aborted, left baby's body in trash, speak out; Alleged News
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/northern-irish-women-speak-out-after-being-vilified-for-reporting-diy-abort
With thanks to youthdefence, preciouslife, marchforlifeuk, priestsforlife.org, gov.uk, bbc.com, utv.ie, lifesitenews.com
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
BREAKING NEWS; ABORTION BILL IRELAND DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL BY ATTORNEY GENERAL, ALLEGED NEWS
PEOPLE ALL OVER IRELAND -
THE LAND CLAIMED BY
SAINT PATRICK FOR GOD -
HAVE NOTED THE PRESSURE TO EMBRACE THE KILLING
OF OUR UNBORN CITIZENS.
IRELAND CRIES OUT - NO!
ABORTION BILL UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Minister of Health Simon Harris has received advice from Attorney General Maire Whelan that Independent TD Mick Wallace's bill to allow terminations of pregnancies in cases of fatal foetal abnormality is unconstitutional: Alleged News. [1]
TD Wallace's bill is a carbon copy of a 2013 bill brought by Independent TD Clare Daly which was ruled unconstitutional by AG Whelan, Alleged News. [2]
TD Wallace's bill proposes to liberalise the abortion laws to allow for a termination in cases of fatal foetal abnormality and in cases of rape and incest, Alleged News. [2]
The Anti-Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit group launched its own bill on June 22nd 2016, to repeal the 1983 8th Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees equal status to the mother and her unborn child, Alleged News. [2]
It is reported that Cabinet Meeting adjourned yesterday after it descended into controversy, after the Government failed to agree a common position on Independent TD Mick Wallace's bill seeking to allow abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, rape and incest; Alleged News. [3]
Health Minister Simon Harris presented the Government's position which was to oppose the bill on the grounds that it was unconstitutional, Alleged News. [3]
What does abortion do?
- Kill our Irish women as well as their innocent unborn babies [4]
- Women are at risk during the abortion procedure of internal tears, major blood loss, hyperventilation, loss of consciousness and death [4]
- Babies killed through abortion procedure have been burned to make heat for hospitals, in 'waste-to-energy' plants, Alleged News [5]
- Aborted babies have been chopped up and their body parts sold for profit, as Investigative Footage shows; Alleged News [6]
- Babies are tortured by pain and fear during abortion procedure, some born alive and their spinal cords severed after birth; Alleged News [7]
- Babies screamed during abortion procedure, Alleged News [8]
- Aborted babies' feet have been cut off and kept in containers thereafter; Alleged News [9]
ABORTION IS MURDER!
THE PEOPLE OF THE GLORIOUS COUNTRY PATRICK CLAIMED FOR GOD
ARE UNANIMOUS IN CRYING OUT;
'WE WILL NEVER ACCEPT THE
MURDER OF OUR UNBORN CITIZENS!'
WHY NOT SIGN THE PETITION?
http://www.citizengo.org/en/lf/35405-irish-government-must-not-permit-discriminatory-and-unconstitutional-bill-allow-abortion?dr=515394::0a4ebfa8c9a0f6d878cafbe527943ba9&utm_source=email&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTm1Ga01tRXpOR0UzTXpsaSIsInQiOiJWWEx4bnRpa2V3b2FkWnpHYXNLaUVja29qcnE0TVRyMmZLMzhWM0JpQ1dtaTFaNkM5bXN2QlBZbllRbHBWRktnK1RJcWpnUmdWNFVhZGhhYmRyKyswbnMraVJZOFNnZ1AzTzZKaHRBeFV0QT0ifQ%3D%3D
[1] Minister advised Wallace's abortion bill is unconstitutional; Alleged News
http://www.rte.ie/news/2016/0623/797679-eighth-amendment/
[2] AG set to say abortion bill is unconstitutional, Alleged News
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/ag-set-to-say-abortion-bill-is-unconstitutional-406468.html
[3] Government adjourns after 'hot and heavy' abortion bill row, Alleged News
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/cabinet-adjourns-after-hot-and-heavy-abortion-bill-row-407474.html
[4] Irish Woman Suffered Horrific Death after Marie Stopes Abortion, Alleged News
http://www.preciouslife.com/blog/71/irish-woman-suffered-horrific-death-after-marie-stopes-abortion/
[5] Aborted Babies Incinerated to Heat UK Hospitals, Alleged News
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/03/15/aborted-babies-incinerated-to-heat-uk-hospitals/
[6] Center for Medical Progress, Alleged News
http://www.centerformedicalprogress.org/
[7] Report of the Grand Jury, Alleged News
http://www.phila.gov/districtattorney/pdfs/grandjurywomensmedical.pdf
[8] Gosnell worker; Baby Screamed during Live-Birth "Abortion", Alleged News
http://www.lifenews.com/2013/04/08/gosnell-worker-baby-screamed-during-live-birth-abortion/
[9] Woman whose aborted baby's foot 'was found stashed in refrigerator at House of Horrors clinic' reveals her terrifying ordeal as the prosecution rests in doctor's case, Alleged News
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2317295/Kermit-Gosnell-case-Woman-aborted-babys-foot-stashed-refrigerator-House-Horrors-clinic-reveals-terrifying-ordeal-prosecution-rests-doctors-case.html
With thanks to rte.ie, irishexaminer.com, preciouslife.com, telegraph.co.uk, centerformedicalprogress.org, phila.gov,lifewnews.com, dailymail.co.uk
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
HERBS AND HEALTH
THERE IS NOTHING NEW ABOUT THE USE OF HERBS TO PROMOTE RECOVERY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING.
Every culture has at some point used healing plants as the basis for medicine, and a basic healing flora from which relevant remedies are chosen.
For millennia plants have proven efficacious as healing agents. Herbs are used within the Ayurvedic health system of India, and in Chinese medicine.
Plants form an important part of the spiritual healing ecology of North Americans. Echinacea, depended upon by many for its healing properties, are found only in central and eastern North America.
Many of the current medications in use still trace their origin to plant material. [1]
Europe has used herbal healing plants for centuries; lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, basil, rose, parsley and mint are everyday aids in the search for optimum health.
Africa has wonderful herbs; many indigenous healing agents grow bountifully in the fertile soil, such as the aloe, rooibos, African wild potato and buchu.
Australia and New Zealand are home to the internationally known manuka honey; a monofloral honey produced from the nectar of the manuka tree.
Holistic Medicine
'Holistic' medicine deals with the 'whole' person. This form of medicine treats the body as a whole and integrated system, not a collection of isolated systems.
The word 'healing' has its roots in the Greek 'holos'; the same word which gives rise to the words 'whole' and 'holistic'.
Emotions, thought-life and spiritual flow are as important to health as the state of tissues and organs of the body.
The whole of the human being - physical, mental and spiritual - is involved in the process of healing.
Herbal medicine realizes that herbs can work on the whole being 'synergistically'. [2] This means that a herbal remedy's whole effect is greater than the sum of individual constituents.
Individual patterns
When people seek healing, herbal medicine can play an important part. However, medicine cannot be fully holistic until acknowledgement of the individual's patterns of thought, behavior, work and culture - that may have impact on the disease itself - is acknowledged.
An example of this is; if an employee in a fast paced and profit driven company finds him or herself struggling to fall asleep after working an eighteen hour day, the lengthy work hours with high mental stimulation may have a bearing on the difficulty.
The simple solution would not merely to consider the prescription of a medication to assist sleep; it would be to look 'holistically' at the fact that excess working hours under less than optimum working conditions may be causing the body to beg its owner for more merciful working conditions by voicing its discomfort by sleeplessness and emotional misery.
Holistic Diagnosis
In Ayurvedic medicine, prayer and prayerful exercise form part of the prescription.
The thinking behind prayer and forgiveness exercises is that a mind and spirit at peace with self, others and the world will be in harmony.
This creates optimum conditions for holistic healing to occur.
Root supportive causes
The prescription of medications, herbal and otherwise, will not completely heal an ailment unless root supportive causes of the ailment are examined and dealt with.
- Anger issues are approached by becoming aware of indulgence in excess anger, which has effect on the heart and other organs of the body.
Ungoverned temper outbursts, nurtured anger, old grudges mulled over and not forgiven, have their effect on both body and mind.
- Unmonitored eating habits have their effect on body, mind and spirit. Excess eating leads to extra body weight.
Extra body weight leads to obesity, overburdening of the organs of the body, and structural overload of the knees and feet.
Pain in the knees and feet are not best treated merely with pain relieving medications or gels [analgesia].
Tackling the root cause of the structural overload - excess weight bearing down on the lower limbs which were not constructed to carry such heavy loads, but a lighter, more realistic load - is important for full health to be maintained.
Years of structural overload on knees can lead to possible knee replacements being found necessary. This can be avoided by timely intervention.
- Excess alcohol loads the body with sugar. A pint of cider can contain as many as five teaspoons of sugar - almost as much as the World Health Organization recommends you do not exceed per day.
Alcohol can also negatively alter blood sugar levels, putting those who imbibe large amounts of alcohol at risk of alcohol-related diabetes. [3]
Catherine N Whittle
Phytotherapy HAOSA [South Africa]
[1] Hoffman, David. Holistic Herbal. 1996. Great Britain; Element Books Limited.
[2] 'Synergistically' means various parts working together to produce an enhanced effect
[3] Alcohol and sugar
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/alcohol-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/alcohol-and-sugar/
*Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Herbal Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional or Herbalist care
With thanks to David Hoffman, and drinkaware.co.uk
Sunday, June 19, 2016
TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS CAN VARY, DEPENDING ON THE DISORDER, CIRCUMSTANCES AND OTHER FACTORS. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviours.
Signs and symptoms of mental illness can include;
- feeling sad or down
- confused thinking
- reduced ability to concentrate
- extreme mood changes of highs and lows
- excessive fears or worries
- tiredness, low energy, problems sleeping
- inability to cope with daily problems and stress
- excessive anger, hostility or violence
- suicidal thinking [1]
Seek help for a mental health problem
If you realise that you are not coping with your daily life, there is help. Seek help for a mental health problem, and you have taken the first step towards getting and staying well.
A wise nurse in Africa told me years ago that a mental disorder is as painful as a physical one. The only difference is that the physical disorder such as a broken leg will often garner more sympathy and understanding, as it is an obvious disorder.
Pain of the mind, heart and soul can be very debilitating.
Helpful services such as counseling, psychology and psychiatry services can make all the difference.
Talk to someone trustworthy and discreet who is able to help you with clear guidance, get support.
An example of a guide to mental health services is available in the link below [2]
Enquire in your area for reputable, affordable and confidential mental health services.
If you live in an area where mental health services are scarce, why not try to sponsor or facilitate the development of a new mental health care resource?
BasicNeeds Mental Health Charity
BasicNeeds is an international Non-Governmental Organization [NGO] working to improve the lives of people living with mental illness and epilepsy.
They have developed a model of intervention that is effective, locally owned, can be replicated and is transferable.
BasicNeeds is predominantly focused on low and middle income countries. Since the Charity's foundation in 2000, BasicNeeds' programmes have improved the lives of over 650,000 people living with mental illness and/or epilepsy, their carers and families.
The link to BasicNeeds is http://www.basicneeds.org/
[1] Mental illness symptoms by Mayo Clinic Staff
[2] A Guide to Mental Health Services in England
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/mental-health-services-explained/Pages/accessing%20services.aspx
Mental Health as Indicator for Burden of Disease
With thanks to mayoclinic.org, healthnettpo.org, nhs.uk
GSC MODULE 32; THE WEDDING AT CANA
GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SEMINARY
MODULE 32
THE WEDDING AT CANA
Objectives; By the end of this Module you should;
- Know about the Wedding at Cana
- Have knowledge about Jesus' first public miracle
- Understand the importance of the miracle in the context of Jesus' public ministry
- Be able to preach about the Wedding at Cana
Contents;
1. Wedding at Cana
2. Mary knew of Jesus' Powers
3. The Mishnah
4. Plight of the couple
5. Quandary of Jesus
6. Mary's request
7. The first public miracle
8. Epic battle with satan had begun
1. Wedding at Cana
The wedding at Cana was the first of Jesus' miracles.
It was the first public sign of Jesus' divine ability to bend the rules of nature, to change the course of events.
Yet this miracle is somewhat strange, for a number of reasons.
Firstly, it was unplanned by Jesus Himself. Secondly, it had not been sanctioned by God the Ruler of Universe.
Thirdly, wine has the potential to make people inebriated.
The plan for the Messiah - despite the fact that a stable among animals and their droppings had been chosen as birth venue, and less than salubrious conditions had reigned during the family's flight into Egypt - surely was for a more dignified setting than a group of rowdy wedding goers tipsy with wine.
2. Mary knew of Jesus' Powers
It is obvious that Mary well knew that Jesus had miraculous powers.
This meant that she would have seen Him practise and demonstrate divine power.
We do not need the details, nor do we really need to know.
This eyewitness account of John Chapter 2, verses 1 to 12, [1] shows what we need to know - the awesome and inspiring Power of God let loose in our world to the dismay of satan.
The account further shows evidence of the immense love of Son for mother, of Jesus for Mary.
It highlights the deep love of God the Father for Mary His chosen, when He accepted the recommendation of a woman over His own own Divine Plan and Will.
3. The Mishnah
Jesus had been delighted at the thought of the wedding.
According to the Mishnah, [2] the wedding would take place on a Wednesday if the bride was getting married for the first time.
The wedding would be on a Thursday if the bride was a widow [Ket 1;1].
The bridegroom and his friends made their way in procession to the bride's house.
This was often done at night, when there would be a glowing torchlight procession.
It is probable that there were speeches and expressions of goodwill before both bride and groom went in procession to the groom's house, where the wedding banquet was held.
There had in all likelihood been a religious ceremony, but no details are written in John's account. The feast itself could last up to week.
4. Plight of the couple
Mary the mother of Jesus was very involved in the serving of meals and the refreshments.
This seems to show a close link with the family of either the bride or groom.
It is possible the wedding couple were not wealthy, and what had been hoped would be sufficient for the celebrations turned out to be woefully inadequate.
Mary was informed by the servants of the plight of the couple.
Perhaps the families hosting the wedding had already been told.
As anyone who has taken part in assisting with the arrangements for a wedding will know, dismay would have reigned behind the scenes.
Mary, a determined woman who had faced down pregnancy as a single mother until her marriage, life as a refugee in Egypt and the nurturing and parenting of her extraordinary Son Jesus, had no problem making a decision.
She spoke to Jesus, who was at the wedding in the company of His disciples.
At this point in the Messiah's ministry, there were possibly five disciples at this stage; Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, Nathanael and John.
It appears that embarrassment at the lack of refreshment aside, some commentators inform us that the situation was more severe; litigation was possible in such circumstances.
Apparently the groom could be the recipient of a lawsuit from aggrieved relatives of the bride.
Mary spoke to Jesus, expecting Him to remedy the situation.
He clearly told her that His appointed time to declare His Messianic status to the public had not yet come.
Mary was not impressed. Anyone who knows that certain look that comes into a devoted mother's eye will realize that this Jewish gentlewoman knew Jesus could help - and expected Him to.
5. Quandary of Jesus
Jesus was in a quandary. He made clear to Mary the enormity of her request.
She was calling on His powers to assist humble people, and by doing so, setting the whole Plan of God as promised in the Garden of Eden in motion - prematurely, at the will of a human - not as the directive of God.
Jesus called Mary by the name God had used in the Garden when He made the promise of redemption to our ancestors at the Fall - He used the name 'woman'.
God had foretold that He would put enmity between satan and the woman - Mary - and between satan's offspring and hers - in other words, Jesus.
It was foretold that Jesus would crush satan's head, and satan would strike his heel. [Genesis 3;15]. [3]
And - down the line - so it happened. Satan struck the Messiah's heel with great force and hatred, bringing about His Suffering, Death and Resurrection.
And Jesus calmly crushed satan's head - symbolizing his demonic power over humanity, earth and the demonic forces.
Jesus further crushes satan's plan to condemn humanity to eternity in hell under satan's reign.
This Jesus did by means of the Resurrection, by transfusion of divine life by means of the Eucharist, and by mass evangelisation as directed by Jesus [Acts 1;8]. [4]
6. Mary's Request
Events in the then future aside, Mary asked her Son to show compassion to struggling humanity who, in their hope of a happy wedding, were to have their future blighted by litigation and resultant untoward increase in poverty and humiliation.
Jesus, having reminded her that His Time to proclaim Himself as Messiah had not yet been sanctioned by God the Father, bent to His mother's command to the servants to do whatever He told them.
He was well aware of the desperate need of the wedding couple.
He must have turned His thoughts to God the Father, Who ratified Mary's request.
For the Son of God Who spoke with Moses and Elijah and Whose Face was always turned to His Father, He was about to make a never to be forgotten entrance on the world stage.
He helped people at a celebration to get more tipsy than they already were.
7. The First Public Miracle
The first miracle of Jesus was done on extraordinary scale.
There were six stone water jars for purification, each able to hold twenty or thirty gallons.
That equals 120 to 180 gallons of water, or 453 to 680 liters.
The water the stone jars usually held was used for purification and the cleansing of utensils.
Jesus directed the servants to fill the stone jars with water, which they did.
He then told them to draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast.
When the master tasted the wine, he declared it the best of the wine of the evening.
And so Jesus' secret was out. He was not what many thought He seemed a Nazarene quietly going about His Life.
He was much more - He was destined to rip the fabric of the old way of doing things, and institute new ways of behaviour forever.
8. Epic battle with satan had begun
And, as they went home, Jesus must have realized that the epic battle with satan, the then prince of earth, had begun without his volition.
Perhaps Mary, knowing her Son, considered He needed a push to begin His public ministry.
It is probable that she did not realize that in so doing, she paved the way to the completion of the prophecy that Simeon had made when Jesus was still a babe in arms.
A sword was to pierce her soul, a suffering so great that God had given her forewarning through the prophet. [Luke 2;35]. [5]
As Jesus, Mary and the disciples trod down the streets after the banquet, heading for home, only Jesus might have fully understood the full import of His love for Mary, and compassion for the financially struggling wedding couple.
He walked to His Crucifixion years sooner than had been planned; God's Plan had to be revisited; the future had entirely changed.
Such is the power of a mother's love for her son; and for the son's love for his mother . . .
Rev Catherine
[1] John 2;1-12
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A1-12&version=ESV
[2] The Mishnah
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2%3A1-12&version=ESV
[2] The Mishnah
[3] Genesis 3
[4] Acts 1
[5] Luke 2
With thanks to biblegateway.com, jewishhistory.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)