THE MIRACLE AT CANA OF GALILEE
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 protection of the Lord God 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 Christian community at Corinth that various gifts received by individual members have come from the same Spirit. They are to be used for the common good and for the well-being of the whole community. 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.
Jesus turns water into wine Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. The happenings at the wedding feast at Cana of Galilee is narrated in great detail. It is a typical wedding celebration of Palestine. During the festivities, everyone eats and drinks merrily. Unfortunately at half way stage of the celebrations, wine runs short and the organizers are in great distress and gloom. The bridegroom's family is faced with deep embarrassment and shame. Mother Mary comes to know about their predicament and she intercedes with Jesus to help them out in their dire need. Jesus initially shows some hesitation. Mary is so sure of her Son that she tells the event managers to do just as Jesus tells them to do. What results is a great miracle. Six stone jars full of water are turned into excellent wine and everyone continued to celebrate without a worry. This is the first miracle performed by Jesus during His public life. This miracle story gives us some very important and 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 our 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 even in the most hopeless situations. 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 at Cana teaches us that in times of great distress and total confusion, we should not lose heart but rather turn to our Blessed Mother Mary to intercede for us. She will definitely come to our aid. Let us take our crisis times as challenges and opportunities because Jesus can truly turn 'water into wine' in our lives too. A thought for reflection: Jesus worked first of His miracles at Cana turning water into wine. He continued to work many miracles all through His public life. Finally He worked the last of His miracles and the most important one at the last supper; turning mere matter- bread and wine - into His body and blood. May the Lord Jesus bless you and continue to work many miracles in your lives and strengthen you in times of distress and pain. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, January 19, 2025. Thanks.)
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