Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year C

Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 96:1-3, 7-10, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, John 2:1-11

The Epiphany at Cana

As we reflect on today’s Gospel, in this Jubilee Year of Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded that hope is under siege in our world. We notice today that the world is threatened by violent conflicts, poverty, climate change, natural disasters, unemployment and numerous other calamities. The first sign performed by Jesus in John’s Gospel, at the wedding at Cana, rekindles our hope and trust in God.

Just as Jesus and Mary, his mother, were invited to a wedding at Cana, we too need to invite Jesus and his mother into our homes and learn from their examples. By embracing their presence, we can present our life situations to them, seeking guidance and solace. Our Mother Mary teaches us to be observant and caring. At the wedding at Cana, she didn’t remain passive but instead observed the shortage of wine and took the initiative to ask the Lord to intervene. She was quick to tell her son: They have no wine (John 2:3). Even though Jesus in his reply appeared to be not interested in the request, and stated that his hour had not yet come, Mary believed that her son was able to do something for the couple.

As children of Mary, we can learn from our mother to be attentive to the needs of our countries, communities, and families. We can ask: What is lacking in our world today? Is it peace, good health, employment, honesty, accountability, good governance, good ethos, or morality? As we identify these gaps, we must also seek out people and institutions of good who can help bring about positive change. As the Body of Christ, the Church has a vital role to play in this endeavour.

Let us do what Jesus tells us to do

Like Mary, we learn to trust and hope in Jesus. We are exhorted to do whatever Jesus tells us. (John 2:5). The world can change for better, if all men and women seek to change and to do the will of Jesus Christ. St Francis of Assisi made an inspiring prayer when he said: Lord, make me a channel of thy peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love. Thus, as we are missionary disciples, we are compelled to promote peace in places of conflict, uphold human rights where they are violated, and advocate for the dignity and worth of every individual.

Let us fill the jars with water

Jesus instructed the attendants to fill six empty jars with water, which He then transformed into wine. In our countries, communities, and families, we may encounter “empty jars” -situations that seem devoid of hope or resources. However, Jesus desires to fill these voids with life-giving grace.  We are called to recognize that every country, community, and family has resources that can fill their “empty jars.” When these resources are used with the spirit of the Lord, every citizen, community member, and family can have enough to live on and celebrate with joy.  Let the wisdom of the Council Fathers resound in our ears and hearts when they say, “God intended the earth with everything contained in it for the use of all human beings and peoples. Thus, under the leadership of justice and in the company of charity, created goods should be in abundance for all in like manner.” (Gaudium et spes 69).

Let the glory of the Lord shine

Jesus will be glorified in our countries, communities and families when we promote equitable distribution of resource. He will further be glorified when we use various charisms apportioned to us by the Holy Spirit to build the community of God’s people. St Paul reminds us in his First Letter to the Corinthians that charisms are personal gifts from God, but while they are given to an individual person, they are not intended solely to be some private possession for individual benefit only (1 Cor 12:11). Rather, they unite us, with the Holy Spirit’s mission to build up the entire Body of Christ and bring salvation to  each and every person (1 Pet 4:10-11).

As pilgrims of hope, may we be inspired by the words of St. Paul: ‘There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them’ (1 Cor 12:4). May our generosity with our charisms bring joy, hope, and transformation to our world. May we be the instruments of God’s grace, filling the empty jars of our communities with the life-giving water of our unique gifts.

May our Mother Mary intercede for us always.