“ “They have no wine” (Jn 2:3). By asking for this favor, Mary was trying to win the guests over but also to render herself more con-spicuous. And perhaps Mary gave in to a purely human feeling, just as his brothers did when they said: “Manifest yourself to the world” (Jn 7:14), desiring to gain glory for themselves through his miracles. For this reason Jesus answers her rather brusquely, saying: “Woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (Jn 4:4).
John Chrysostom, Homily on John 21, 2; PG 59, 130.
St. John Chrysostom was educated in the school of Antioch where the emphasis was on the humanity of Christ rather than His divinity. Also, at this time, the term “mother of God” was unknown to the Antiochene school. His main concern was correcting the Christian behaviour. Therefore, he does not hesitate to attribute defeats or imperfections to Virgin Mary.
If you are interested in more quotes on Virgin Mary, you can find them in Mary and the Fathers of the Church on Amazon in both in Kindle and paperback formats.
References:
Gambero, L., 1999. Mary and the Fathers of the Church 1st ed. Translated by Buffer, T., San Francisco: Ignatius Press.
