When the Honeymoon Ends: Why the Best Wine Comes Later

August 10, 2025

When the Honeymoon Ends: Why the Best Wine Comes Later

Of all the miracles Jesus could have started with… He made more wine at a wedding. Why? Because He knew there would be moments in every marriage when the wine runs out — but with Him, the best is yet to come.

Yesterday, I had the joy of attending the wedding of one of my Pre-Cana couples. As they stood before the altar, our pastor read the Gospel of the Wedding Feast at Cana — a reading I’ve heard countless times — but this time, it struck me differently.

Fr. Mike painted the scene: a crowded celebration, music, dancing, and laughter… until the wine runs out. On the surface, it’s not a life-or-death crisis — but it matters. And Jesus chooses this moment for His first miracle.

Why? I believe it’s because marriage itself is a living sign of God’s covenant love. Jesus wanted His first miracle to be a promise: when He is invited into your marriage, He can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary.

Mary’s role is powerful. She notices the need, intercedes, and tells the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.” That’s not just advice for them — it’s the best marriage advice we could ever follow.

When Real Life Sets In

In those early days, everything is fresh and exciting.

But real life quickly arrives:

• Learning to love your spouse and their family

• Raising kids in all their beautiful chaos

• Careers that pull you in every direction

• Financial strain or unemployment

• Moving and starting over

• Illness — yours or your spouse’s

• Caring for aging parents

• Loss and grief

• Infidelity and the work of rebuilding trust

• A culture that undervalues marriage

It’s easy for these to crowd out what matters most. That’s why our priorities must be clear: God first, spouse second, children third, and everyone else after that. Get that order wrong, and the foundation cracks.

Don’t Give Up — The Best is Yet to Come

In Cana, the headwaiter says, “You have kept the good wine until now.” Too many couples give up before they’ve tasted it. The best wine comes after seasons of learning, forgiving, serving, and trusting God together.

Mary’s words still echo: “Do whatever He tells you.” In marriage, that means forgiving when you’d rather stay angry, showing up when you’re tired, praying together even in busy seasons, and trusting God when the outcome is unseen.

At Cana, the miracle began because Jesus was invited in — and because Mary interceded. That’s the invitation for every marriage: bring Jesus in, ask for Mary’s help, and trust that God is not finished with your story.

After 34 years, I can tell you — the best wine is worth waiting for.

#CatholicMarriage #MarriageMentorship #MarriageSupport #FaithAndMarriage #PreCana #Newlyweds #MarriageAdvice #CatholicMentor #MarriageJourney #BestIsYetToCome

Image: “The Wedding Feast at Cana” by Paolo Veronese, 1563.