The Power of Faith

John 2:1-11 

In recent years, both in Finland and elsewhere in Europe, there has been much discussion about how faith may and should be visible in public space. Some believe that matters referring to faith and religiosity should be hidden away so that those who do not wish to engage with religious issues would not feel distressed. As a solution, a religiously neutral space has been proposed—one that would not direct anyone’s thoughts toward God or matters of faith. Many consider that only a religiously neutral space would be open and safe for everyone. 

The Finnish ecumenical delegation has once again arrived in Rome. In this city, it is impossible to hide from faith and its power. The two thousand year old Christian tradition is visible everywhere. The sign of our Lord Jesus—the cross, the symbol of life and hope—appears in many forms throughout the city. Countless churches invite people to prayer and contemplation, as does this Christuskirche today. The sound of church bells can be heard amid the city’s bustle. Priests and members of religious orders pass by on the streets. Here, the power of faith becomes visible in a special way, predominantly in its Christian form but also through other religions. It is no wonder that Rome is a popular pilgrimage destination. Many experience that their own faith is strengthened here. 

The power of faith is also reflected in today’s Gospel, which is considered a depiction of the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. John’s account describes an unexpected and unfortunate situation encountered at a wedding feast. The hosts had undoubtedly prepared for the number of guests as best they could, yet the refreshments still ran out. Such a situation is every host’s nightmare. 

In the Gospel story, Jesus is the central figure, but another key character is the woman referred to simply as Jesus’ mother. Mary brings the unfortunate situation faced by the hosts to her son’s attention: “They have no wine.” Mary did not directly ask Jesus for anything; she merely stated the situation. Jesus’ response to his mother admittedly sounds strange: “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” Mary did not react to Jesus’ reply. Instead, she turned to the servants and said, “Do whatever he tells you.” 

The unusual dialogue between Jesus, Mary, and the servants in John’s Gospel raises many questions. Yet these questions should not overshadow the main message of the story — a message that highlights a calm and trusting faith: Mary’s faith. Mary takes the hosts’ emergency seriously and conveys this concern to Jesus, perhaps without fully knowing what to expect from her son. Still, she knows to whom she should turn in a moment of need and to whom she should express her concern. 

Mary shows what lies at the heart of faith: turning to Jesus. Sometimes turning to Jesus is accompanied by gratitude for God’s goodness and praise for His greatness. At other times, as in today’s Gospel, one turns to Jesus with a heavy and anxious heart. The power of faith flows from its center—from Jesus, in whom a person can always place their trust. 

It is also noteworthy that Mary trusted Jesus even though his response to the news about the wine running out seemed dismissive. “Do whatever he tells you.” Mary believed that Jesus could save the situation, and accordingly she encouraged the servants. Mary’s faith and trust in Jesus were unwavering. 

In the Christian faith, Mary has an important role. She was present in her son Jesus’ life from his conception all the way to his ascension. She witnessed closely his work on behalf of the weak and the marginalized. She followed her son on the path of suffering to Golgotha and then to the tomb where his body was laid. She also witnessed our Lord’s resurrection. 

Today, in this service, we wish to confess that as different churches we are one in Christ. And in today’s Gospel, Mary directs us to turn together toward Christ and to rejoice that Jesus is our Lord. The Catholic and Orthodox churches in particular carry a strong sense of Mary’s central role in God’s plan of salvation. Ecumenical cooperation has helped us Lutherans as well to remember how significant Mary’s role is in the Reformation tradition. Martin Luther held the Virgin Mary in high esteem, and one of his most important writings is based on Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat. The Formula of Concord, one of the Lutheran Confessions, states that “the highly praised Virgin Mary did not give birth to a mere man, but to one who, according to the angel’s testimony, is truly the Son of the Most High God. Mary is truly the Mother of God.” 

Mary’s calm and steadfast faith in Jesus is an important example in our own time, when uncertainty and concern about global and local issues weigh heavily on many minds. Mary’s example encourages us as well: turn to Jesus. Even if you cannot clearly express what you want from him, bring your uncertainty and your worries before him. And even if no answer seems to come, or if the answer sounds strange, trust that all things are in the hands of our Lord Jesus. For him—who was born as a human, who atoned for our sins, and who conquered death—nothing is hopeless. 

Mary directs us to rely on Jesus. From Jesus flows the power of faith that is visible here in Rome and everywhere where people acknowledge their own smallness and God’s greatness. We are called to be witnesses of Jesus, his servants, and it is precisely to servants that Mary addresses these words: “Whatever he—Jesus—tells you, do it.”