9b The steward called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. 12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers and his disciples; and they remained there a few days.

“Good wine” comes slowly. It arrives only when we have finally exhausted the tantalizing allure and instant gratification of “the inferior wine.”

It takes time to develop a deep inner awareness of the precious Presence that resides at the heart of all existence. Sadly, much of the time we satisfy ourselves with being drunk on “the inferior wine.” We mistake the anaesthesia of inebriation for the intoxication of that loving Presence that flows from the source of all life.

We become numb to the deep rhythms of life as we rush from one distraction to the next, mistaking busyness, activity and stimulation for true life. We become dulled to the true source and Presence for which our hearts long.

There are “signs” of this Presence everywhere for those who develop the skills of deep and subtle perception.

When we take the time to listen carefully, we hear the sound of Jesus’ voice. When we stop long enough to look slowly and carefully at the realities of life, we perceive the beauty that is the Christ-Presence in creation. When we take the time to truly be present to this moment, we taste the fresh rich wine of Presence that flows through all of life.

What are the distractions in my life that hinder me from perceiving the deeper quality of life that offers satisfaction and blessing on a level that the physical material time-bound realm can never provide? What are the obstacles I place in the way of the flow of Love that comes forth in all of life in the heart that is prepared to be receptive?

How is my life preparing me to drink the “good wine” that comes in time to all those who do the slow steady work of opening to the deeper realities of life?