Fr. Patrick Santianez, SX
SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
During the just concluded Christmas season, we have come across different expressions of Epiphanies of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. He manifested himself to the shepherds, to the Magi, to John the Baptist and to those gathered around John at the River Jordan. In today’s gospel we are shown another “epiphany”: Jesus manifested his divine power by changing water into wine during the wedding at Cana.
During the time of Jesus, and even today in Sierra Leone, wine is not only considered a staple food item, but it is also regularly present in times of celebration specially during wedding parties. Celebration without “poyo”, “kamakuli” or any other local wine here in Sierra Leone is not a good party. So to run short of wine during a wedding celebration is surely a serious problem for the host and most of all for the newlywed couple. That is why Mary brought this problem of wine shortage to her son. At the beginning Jesus' reaction was a little bit offputting. But she was sure that her son would do something anyway, and told the waiters “Do whatever he tells you”. This is the only command, given by Mary, that we find in the Bible.
When we obey the word of Jesus, miracles happen. It is only when we follow his word, teaching or commandments that miracles occur. Like the wine during the wedding at Cana, we, too, often, run out of wine: the wine of wisdom, understanding, patience, love, mercy, etc. When "that" wine is missing, we know where to go: to Mary. Mary notices our almost empty or totally empty jars, and she will turn to Jesus. As the waiters did what Jesus told them, we, too, need to listen to him and do what he tells us to do. Only then, miracles happen.
Just a few days ago, here in the Diocese of Makeni, where most of the Xaverian missionaries work, the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy was inaugurated. What can we learn from today's gospel, in connection with this Extraordinary Jubilee? With the miracle at Cana, Jesus invites us to fill the empty lives of the people around us with the new wine of mercy: mercy is the new name of God. Let us manifest and extend mercy to our neighbour by practising the spiritual and corporal Works of Mercy. Through these works of mercy, the epiphany of Jesus continues among us.
SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
During the just concluded Christmas season, we have come across different expressions of Epiphanies of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. He manifested himself to the shepherds, to the Magi, to John the Baptist and to those gathered around John at the River Jordan. In today’s gospel we are shown another “epiphany”: Jesus manifested his divine power by changing water into wine during the wedding at Cana.
During the time of Jesus, and even today in Sierra Leone, wine is not only considered a staple food item, but it is also regularly present in times of celebration specially during wedding parties. Celebration without “poyo”, “kamakuli” or any other local wine here in Sierra Leone is not a good party. So to run short of wine during a wedding celebration is surely a serious problem for the host and most of all for the newlywed couple. That is why Mary brought this problem of wine shortage to her son. At the beginning Jesus' reaction was a little bit offputting. But she was sure that her son would do something anyway, and told the waiters “Do whatever he tells you”. This is the only command, given by Mary, that we find in the Bible.
When we obey the word of Jesus, miracles happen. It is only when we follow his word, teaching or commandments that miracles occur. Like the wine during the wedding at Cana, we, too, often, run out of wine: the wine of wisdom, understanding, patience, love, mercy, etc. When "that" wine is missing, we know where to go: to Mary. Mary notices our almost empty or totally empty jars, and she will turn to Jesus. As the waiters did what Jesus told them, we, too, need to listen to him and do what he tells us to do. Only then, miracles happen.
Just a few days ago, here in the Diocese of Makeni, where most of the Xaverian missionaries work, the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy was inaugurated. What can we learn from today's gospel, in connection with this Extraordinary Jubilee? With the miracle at Cana, Jesus invites us to fill the empty lives of the people around us with the new wine of mercy: mercy is the new name of God. Let us manifest and extend mercy to our neighbour by practising the spiritual and corporal Works of Mercy. Through these works of mercy, the epiphany of Jesus continues among us.