The
First Sign of Jesus: A Manifestation of Grace
Mass
Readings: Is 62:1-5 Ps 96
1Cor 12:4-11 Jn 2:1-11
Key
Verse to Meditate: On the third day there
was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there
(Jn 2:1).
My
dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
presents us with the first sign of Jesus’ miracles, as recorded in the Gospel
of John. The setting is a joyous occasion-a wedding at Cana. It is significant
to note that Jesus participated in the wedding, blessing every Christian
marriage by His presence. This reminds us that Jesus, accompanied by His mother
and disciples, is present in every marriage celebration.
I recall the joy of a newlywed
couple when I presented them with a bottle of wine I had brought from Cana of
Galilee. They cherished it as a profound symbol of God's blessings for their
union. Similarly, today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah also uses the
imagery of marriage to express God’s joy over His people: “For as a young man
marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom
rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you” (Is 62:5).
This shows that God not only takes
part in the joyful moments of human life but delights in them, especially in
the sacred union of marriage.
The First Reading: A New Name for
Jerusalem
The first reading from the Prophet
Isaiah introduces the vision of a "New Jerusalem" in its opening
verses. In this passage, the prophet underscores the interconnectedness of the
city and the land, symbolized through the acquisition of a new name and a
crowning ceremony. Legitimacy and salvation are earnestly sought for Jerusalem,
as God declares that He will not remain silent on behalf of the city (Is. 62:1,
6).
Intercessory prayer, often
associated with the prophetic office, is central to this text. The prophet
fervently intercedes on behalf of Jerusalem, drawing parallels to other
intercessory prayers found in Scripture (cf. Gen 40:14; Ex 20:24; 23:13; 1 Chr
16:4; Is 12:4; 26:13; 48:1). Beyond pleading for salvation-a key theme in
prophetic tradition (cf. Is. 41:10; 45:8; 51:5; 58:8)-the prophet also
envisions a future where foreign nations and their rulers will witness the
glory of the Lord (cf. Is. 58:8; 59:19; 60:3).
The prophet’s resolve is
unwavering: he will continue to speak, pray, and intercede until the
surrounding nations recognize Jerusalem’s legitimacy and its kings behold its
glory and prosperity (cf. Is. 60:2). Interestingly, Jerusalem, described as a
“crown” or “diadem,” is said to be held in God’s hand rather than placed upon
His head. This imagery signifies that Jerusalem, and by extension Israel, is
securely held and protected by Yahweh. The metaphor of a crown or diadem for
Jerusalem reflects divine favor and the acknowledgment of God’s kingship (cf.
Prov 4:9; 12:4; 16:31; Job 29:14; 31:36).
The prophet also emphasizes an
eschatological transformation through the act of renaming Jerusalem. In
biblical tradition, a new name often signifies a new status or character: Jacob
became Israel (Gen 32:28), Naomi renamed herself Mara (Ruth 1:20), and Saul was
called Paul (Acts 13:9). Similarly, God’s promise of a new name for Jerusalem
in verse 2 will only be fully revealed in the end times. The new names, such as
“The City of Yahweh” or “Zion of the Holy One of Israel,” symbolize a restored
identity and destiny for Jerusalem.
The inhabitants of Jerusalem,
deeply wounded by the accusations that their city and temple had been forsaken
by God (cf. Is. 54:6; 60:15; 1 Kgs 22:42), and left desolate—like a woman
without children—are now assured of restoration. The prophetic prayer envisions
Jerusalem as a bride united with her children, symbolizing a renewed
relationship with God and a thriving future.
Ultimately, this passage reaffirms
God’s effective rule in Israel and the world, heralding the establishment of
His kingdom. However, it is worth noting that the prayer in this passage
appears somewhat self-focused, primarily seeking security and authority for
Jerusalem in the face of foreign nations, without explicitly addressing God’s
broader purpose or response to these intercessions.
The Second Reading: Concerning
Spiritual Gifts
In the second reading, St. Paul
highlights various spiritual gifts bestowed upon us by the Spirit: “There are
varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services,
but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same
God who activates all of them in everyone” (1 Cor 12:4-6).
Among these, St. Paul identifies nine key gifts of the Holy Spirit: A word of wisdom (1 Cor 1:24; 1 Cor 2:6-13); A word of knowledge (1 Cor 8); Faith (1 Cor 13:2); Gifts of healing (1 Cor 12:9); Workings of miracles; Prophecy (Acts 11:28; 1 Cor 14); Discerning of spirits (1 Cor 12:10); Kinds of tongues (1 Cor 14), and the interpretation of tongues.
Interpretation of tongues
The use of the plural in gifts like
healings, workings of miracles, discerning of spirits (1 Cor 12:10), and kinds
of tongues (1 Cor 14) underscores that each healing, each miracle, each
discernment, and each utterance in a specific tongue is a unique gift from the
Holy Spirit.
We are reminded that all these
gifts are manifestations of the Spirit and are given for the common good (1 Cor
12:7). It is the same Spirit who is the source of these diverse gifts, working
through the members of the Church to build up the body of Christ. These gifts
are not hereditary; rather, they are special endowments of the Spirit for the
spiritual growth and edification of the Church.
The Temporary Nature of Spiritual
Gifts
These spiritual gifts are limited
to our earthly life and, as St. Paul teaches, will eventually pass away (1 Cor
13:8-10). Different individuals may receive different gifts, reflecting the
principle that grace builds on nature, as St. Thomas Aquinas observed. While
these are divine gifts, it is essential to remember that the Spirit alone
bestows them. Once God grants a gift, He does not revoke it, as the Scripture
assures us: “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom 11:29).
Keeping the Right Focus
Regarding spiritual gifts, St. Paul
invites us to focus on the Giver-the Holy Spirit-rather than on the gifts
themselves. This perspective guards us against the temptation of valuing
ministers more for their extraordinary gifts than for their character and
fidelity. St. Paul reminds us of the importance of discerning carefully before
placing our belief, saying, “Test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1
Thess 5:21). Similarly, St. John exhorts us: “Do not believe every spirit but
test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 Jn 4:1).
When a particular gift consistently
manifests in someone, it is a sign that the Holy Spirit has specially endowed
that person with it. As God’s children, we are called to discern, develop, and
use our spiritual gifts responsibly for the glory of God and the good of the
Church. May we seek not just the gifts of the Spirit, but a deeper relationship
with the Spirit Himself, ensuring that our lives reflect His presence and
purpose.
The Gospel Reading: The Miracle - A
Sign of the Kingdom
The Gospel of today presents the wedding at Cana, where Mother Mary was present, and Jesus and His disciples were invited. It is a unique event that portrays the presence of Jesus, Mary, and His disciples as guests. John’s Gospel describes the transformation of water into wine as the first of Jesus’ signs (John 2:11). The Greek term “semeion” indicates a sign pointing to something greater—Jesus as the Messiah who brings the fullness of joy and grace to His people.
The Role of Mother Mary at the
Wedding
One striking element in the Wedding
at Cana is the role of Mother Mary. In the very first verse, it is mentioned,
“and the mother of Jesus was there” (John 2:1). Her presence is pivotal to this
miracle, and we can rightly call it a miracle of Mary’s faith.
Mary, the first believer, initiates
the miracle by presenting the need to Jesus: “They have no wine” (Jn 2:3).
Though Jesus initially responds, “My hour has not yet come” (Jn 2:4; see the OT
situations: Jud 11:12; 2 Chr 35:21; 2 Kgs 3:13), Mary’s unwavering faith
compels her to instruct the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5).
Mary’s Faith and Intercession: In Mary, we witness the
strength of a faith-filled woman-a mother whose faith unlocks the heart of
Christ at the joyous banquet of Cana and remains steadfast even at the
sorrowful scene of the cross. Her unwavering belief bridges these two pivotal
moments, revealing her essential role in the story of salvation.
Mary’s faith and intercession
remind us of her role as a mother to all believers. Hence, this moment of
interaction with Jesus reveals Mary’s profound role as an intercessor, a theme
that continues in her presence with the disciples after Jesus’ death (Acts
1:14). Her faith opens the heart of Jesus at Cana and continues to intercede
for humanity.
My Hour has not yet come
On noticing the embarrassing
situation of the wine running out for the guests, Mother Mary approaches Jesus
and instructs the attendants at the wedding, saying, “Do whatever He tells you”
(Jn 2:5). However, Jesus replies to her, “My hour has not yet come” (Jn 2:4). According
to scholars, this passage underscores that Jesus’ mission and service for the
Kingdom of God are determined solely by His Father. Even His mother cannot
dictate the timing or nature of His work (see Lk 2:49). For John, the ultimate
"hour" is the moment of Calvary, where Jesus’ passion, death, and
glorification fully reveal His mission. However, the "hour" also
refers to the time of His public ministry-a period marked by signs and miracles
that foreshadow His ultimate sacrifice. Although Jesus indicates that His
“hour” – referring to His passion, death, and glorification - has not yet
arrived (cf. Jn 7:30; 8:20; 13:1; 17:1), He still performs the miracle,
anticipating the manifestation of His glory.
Water Jars: Reminder of the Old and
New Covenant
The stone jars, originally used for
Jewish purification rites, symbolize the old covenant. By filling them with
wine, Jesus signifies the new covenant, where He becomes the source of grace
and life. This miracle is not merely about meeting a need but announces the
arrival of the Kingdom of God. The Synoptic Gospels often depict the Kingdom as
a feast (Mt 5:6; 8:11-12; Mk 2:19; Lk 22:15-18, 29-30a). Here at Cana, the
abundance of wine signifies the joy and blessings of the Kingdom. It is Jesus,
the Son of God, the new wine, who is revealed through this miracle.
The glory of Jesus’ manifestation
at Cana serves as a profound sign of His identity as the Messiah, the one who
brings the fullness of God’s grace to His people through His life and ministry.
Jesus instructed the servants to fill the stone jars with water, which He then
miraculously transformed into wine. One of the early Church Fathers, Ephrem the
Syrian (306-373), reflects on this event, noting that the Lord Jesus, who came
into the world in fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets, transformed all
things-just as He turned water into fine wine.
The Disciples Believed in Jesus
John, while concluding this Gospel
text, states: “This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and
manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him” (Jn 2:11). This first
miracle of Jesus at Cana in Galilee, besides being a manifestation of divine
glory, underscores that God is actively at work in the lives of His people.
John emphasizes that Jesus
manifested His glory (cf. Jn 1:14), which is, in fact, a revelation of God. In
the Synoptic Gospels, the glory of God in Jesus is revealed during the
Transfiguration. However, John does not narrate the Transfiguration in his Gospel.
Instead, he highlights something significant in this miracle that he wishes to
underscore.
Though there were many characters
present at the wedding in Cana, John points out that the glory of Jesus was
revealed only to His believing disciples. Through this sign, the disciples
recognized that their Master was not merely an extraordinary preacher or
miracle worker. They came to understand that He was, indeed, the manifestation
of the Holy God, and so they believed in Him.
At the end of his Gospel, John
tells us: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples,
which are not recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may
believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you
may have life in His name” (Jn 20:30-31). The fulfilment of this statement is
already foreshadowed in the summary of the miracle at Cana, as noted in Jn
2:11.
This miracle is not only a sign of
Jesus' divine power but also an invitation to deeper faith, calling His
disciples-and us -to believe in Him as the Christ, the Son of God.
Points For Personal Reflection
Imitating Mary: A Call to Intercede
Can we, like Mary, become channels
of grace and intercession for others? Mary’s presence at the wedding at Cana
was not passive; she noticed the need, took the initiative, and approached
Jesus with confidence. Her words to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you,” echo
through the centuries as a call to trust and obedience. Can we develop this
same attentiveness to the needs of those around us, lifting them up in prayer
and trusting in God’s providence? Mary’s intercession at Cana challenges us to
be intercessors for others. Are we willing to imitate Mary’s faith and
intercede for others?
Each time we participate in the
Eucharist, we encounter Jesus, the true and eternal gift of God’s love. He
gives Himself entirely to us, offering His body and blood as a source of
spiritual nourishment and renewal. Yet, the power of this gift depends on our
readiness to receive it. Are our hearts open to the transformation He offers?
Do we approach the Eucharist with the reverence and gratitude it deserves,
recognizing it as the fulfilment of God’s covenant with His people?
The "new wine" offered by
Jesus symbolizes the abundance of grace and joy found in Him. It is a reminder
that God’s blessings are never scarce but overflow for those who trust in Him.
Are we willing to embrace this new wine, allowing it to transform our lives and
fill us with the joy of discipleship?
Let us imitate Mary’s faith and
courage, becoming intercessors for those in need and messengers of God’s love
in the world. Let us bring every need, every challenge, and every joy before
the Lord, trusting that He will act in His time and His way. May our lives,
like Mary’s, become a testament to the power of faith, prayer, and trust in
God’s promises.
Nice explanation about wedding at canna and about new wine...👌
ReplyDeleteWhere Christ is, there is grace and fullness. God bless.
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