Is 62:1-5; Ps 95(96); 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11
Do whatever He tells you
Dear friends, today is the second Sunday in Ordinary Time year C. The Ordinary Time is the season of learning about the Kingdom of God, Jesus being the teacher who interprets the prophets and the law for us. Our theme is drawn from the Gospel passage about the miracle at Cana in Galilee. It means, if we keep Jesus close to us, he will always help us out whenever we are stuck. The liturgical colour for this season is Green, the colour of life and growth. We are invited to learn from Jesus so that we may grow in our faith.
In the first reading, the promise of the new relationship between God and his people is compared to a marriage. Just as the bridegroom rejoices in his bride, God rejoices in his people and always wants to be close to them. By baptism, we become members of God’s household. In Ezekiel 18:23, we read that God does not delight in the death of the wicked. He rejoices when we understand his love for us and keep close to him. We too must not rejoice when others are suffering.
God has always done wonders in the lives of his people. However, very few of these wonders are published for others to be attracted to and converted. If you watch or listen to news broadcasts, most media houses thrive on tragic news. The psalmists invite us to proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the people. Currently, mobile phone technology has made communication accessible to many. One can connect with the world from anywhere. We can share our beautiful moments as well as our difficulties with people so far away. Unfortunately, very little is communicated about the wonders of the kingdom of God. What kind of news do you spread most? Good or bad?
St. Paul reminds those who belong to the Kingdom of God that they have been endowed with different gifts not for self-prosperity but for the common good. “Common Good” is a concept in the Social Doctrine of the Church that refers to what is shared and beneficial to all the members of a given community. We cannot be “self-sufficient” in life. When he created them male and female God himself did not intend that we become self-sufficient as individuals. Human beings are meant to complement one another. For example, the doctor needs a driver, the driver needs a mechanic, the mechanic needs a spare parts supplier, the spare parts supplier needs a manufacturer, etc. Sometimes we are tempted to think that we can do all things by ourselves until we get stuck and must depend on the help of others. Do you think that you can do without others?
The Gospel reading demonstrates to us the importance of inviting Jesus and Mary in our lives. The couple who had a wedding in Cana of Galilee invited Jesus as one of the guests at their party. Jesus went with his disciples and enjoyed the party until his mother interrupted him with a plea that the wine was over and many guests had not been served yet. You can imagine the magnitude of the situation and the embarrassment it would have been for the wedding couple. Through the intercession of Mary, Jesus saved the situation but also he did not seek recognition for it. Do people have to know of every act of charity you do?
Dear friends, who are the people around you currently? How are they helping you to become a better person or accomplish your goals? Many times, I have met people who complain to me about their friends and how they are making life difficult for them. You can swap those friends with Jesus and see the difference. When Jesus is in our lives, we are not afraid of gossip, back-starving, poisoning, discouragement, being robbed, broken marriages, and other disappointments. We do not have to watch our backs.
Dear friends, it is important to know what the most important things in life are and who can help you achieve them. Is it the people who get quickly tired of you when you are not able to reciprocate their help or Jesus who helps us without counting?
Have a blessed Sunday.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 