Today is the feast of our Lady of Lourdes. In the Gospel Jesus is the central character, but He provides his mother with a humble role as He daily does in Lourdes, in everything that happens there. Invited to a wedding party with his disciples, Jesus, there, makes his first "sign". Mary, tactfully, realizes the need of the new spouses, and prudently lets Jesus know, by pleading for them: "They have no wine" (Jn 2:3). While Jesus’ answer seems rather evasive, not to say negative, Mary, all the same, warns the servants "Do whatever He tells you" (Jn 2:,5). She did not know what Jesus would do, but she was probably thinking: whatever He does, He will do his best! And she was right

The outcome is already well known: the messianic abundance of the "best wine" that makes the master of the banquet to be surprised and the disciples to reaffirm their faith in Jesus.

I would like to highlight the usefulness of the simple presence of Mary in that wedding feast: with feminine thoughtfulness, she realizes what is missing, and prudently she shares it with her son. This is the beautiful undertaking of Mary in our lives and in the Church. Let us recall here Pope Francis’ words on the role of Mary, and of women in general, in the Church: "The woman is essential for the church. Mary, a woman, is more important than the bishops. The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions".

In the Church, in our families, in our personal lives, there are many shortcomings that Mary discovers and bestows upon Jesus; and her mediation is always effective! The woman is meant to provide a similar function

But it is necessary to invite Jesus and Mary to participate in our lives. And, most than all, it is also necessary to do whatever Jesus tells us to.