January 17, 2010 SECOND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME
17 JANUARY 2010, 5:15, 8:00, 10:30
READINGS: Isaiah 62:1-5; I Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2:1-11
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: Today we return to so-called Ordinary Time in the Liturgical Year. This season continues until the Lent and Easter cycle begin. It is fitting that we start this season with the miracle at the Wedding Feast at Cana, the first miracle of Jesus.
1. We know the story well. Jesus and his mother, Mary, are at a wedding feast. The bride and groom and their families are soon to be embarrassed because they are almost out of wine. Jesus comes to the rescue by changing 150 gallons of water into wine. It is his first miracle. We can learn so much from this lovely story. It might invite us to ask, “Has the wine run out of your life?” Has the wine run out of your marriage, your job, your friendships, your faith? It happens! This gospel invites us to listen to that question and to address it. If it has, then I suggest several strategies to have it return. First, find time to be silent, to escape the noise of life. Second, become a listener. Listen in the silence; listen to the words of those you love. Third, pray. Pray those prayers you know by rote memory; pray also with your own words, from the heart. Fourth, heed the words of Mary to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Do whatever Jesus tells you to do. I believe this is a recipe for returning wine and joy to your life.
2. This wonderful gospel also has another theme. It foretells the Eucharist. Here Jesus turns water into wine; later he will turn wine into his blood, his sacred blood. We really do have a remarkable Faith. It proclaims that bread becomes the Body of Jesus; wine becomes his Blood. Transforming is not yet over. People with grief can be changed into people of hope. Cultures of death can become cultures of Life. We also believe that Jesus can change sinners into saints. The change that Jesus will initiate in the world begins here at Cana of Galilee. Let us believe in his transforming power.
3. An important point mustn’t be missed. Those servers who stood by to listen and obey were an essential part of this story. Jesus needed their assistance to perform this miracle. In the second reading today Paul speaks about the wide diversity of gifts given to the people of the Church. It’s true. Think of the diversity here in this church building right now. Think of your own talents and gifts and those of your neighbor! Then, remember, all gifts are given by God not for the benefit of the recipient but for the benefit of the community. We use our gifts, like those servants at Cana, to assist the Lord in bringing about his kingdom.
Over 40 years ago as a young priest I exited Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. I had visited sick from the parish there. I was buoyed up. Suddenly, it struck me. “What is wrong with you? Why are you so elated after visiting sick people? Are you sadistic?” I asked myself. Then it dawned on me. I was buoyed up not because of the illnesses I had seen but by the dignity of those afflicted with those illnesses. Even suffering and illnesses can have positive effects on people.
Conclusion: John’s gospel relates seven miracles in all. The number seven is a symbolic number meaning “wholeness.” This is the first. The seventh is – the Resurrection! Today he begins his journey to that destination. So should we!