"He Keeps the Joy Going"

“HE KEEPS THE JOY GOING”^[1]

Six stone jars

stood tall like soldiers

for ceremonial cleansing

of the outer man.

It was the third day

of wedding jubilation

at Cana in the Galilee,

and the last drop

of the wine of joy

had been poured.

Guests would soon

have begun wandering off

with parched tongues

and clipped gladness,

had not Miriam perceived

that her Son could save the day,

could keep the grape flowing,

could keep the joy going.

He told the servants

to fill the vessels

with water

and draw a cupful

for the master of the banquet.

Upon sampling,

the delighted master

proclaimed to the bridegroom,

“The choicest wine

has been saved until last!”

They clinked their goblets.

Celebration resumed.

He who came

to heal the sick,

raise the dead,

set the captives free,

first

gave New purpose

to stone jars of the Old,

a mere foretaste

of a Covenant

brimming

with gladness.

Maude Carolan

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[1] This is a quotation by Jonathan Cahn, pastor of Beth Israel Messianic Center, then located in Garfield, NJ, during his message about the wedding at Cana, from the Gospel of John, chapter two. Beth Israel is now located in Wayne, NJ.