THE WEDDING AT CANA
First Reading: Isaiah 62: 1-5
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11
Gospel Reading: John 2: 1-12
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah promises the Lord God's protection for the people of Israel. He assures them that they shall experience happiness and joy because the Lord God has taken delight in them. He says that like a bridegroom rejoices over the bride so shall the Lord God rejoice over Israel.
*Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul explains to the Corinthian community that different gifts received by individual members have come from the same Spirit. They are to be used for the common good. Gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy and the gift of tongues-all these are inspired by the same Spirit of the Lord so that the whole community may benefit from them.
Water is turned into wine Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The wedding feast at Cana of Galilee is narrated in detail. It was a typical marriage celebration of Palestine. Everyone ate and drank and at half way stage of the celebrations wine ran short and the organizers were in great distress. The bridegroom's family was facing deep embarrassment. Mother Mary came to know about their predicament and she interceded with Jesus to help them out of their dire need. In spite of some initial hesitation from Jesus, Mary was so sure of her Son that she told the persons in charge of the event to do just as Jesus tells them to do. What resulted was a great miracle. Twelve stone jars full of water is turned into excellent wine and everyone continued to celebrate without a worry. This was the first miracle performed by Jesus. This miracle gives us some significant lessons. 1. If we want miracles to take place in our lives, we have to invite Jesus into our lives. 2. When in trouble, we must take our burdens to the Lord. Blaming each other for the failures and lapses is not a solution. 3. When Jesus inspires us in difficult situations we must put our faith in the Lord and follow His promptings. 4. We should allow the grace of God to intervene in our lives. 5. Any miracle in our lives should be an occasion for rejoicing and should lead us to a deeper trust in the Lord. Finally the miracle of Cana affirms that in times of great distress and difficulties we should not lose heart but turn to Mother Mary to intercede for us and she will definitely help us. Let us take our crisis times as challenges and opportunities because Jesus can truly turn 'water into wine' in our lives too.
No comments:
Post a Comment