Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, C cycle, January 14,2007

Scripture: Isaiah 62:1-5. Psalm 96:1-3,7-10. I Cor.12:4-11. John 2:1-12:

On the Feast of the Epiphany we remembered three manifestations of Jesus,
the Baptism of Jesus, the Coming of the Magi, and the Wedding Feast at
Cana. Today this third manifestation is celebrated as the first of the
great seven signs worked by Jesus in the narratives of the Fourth Gospel.
Besides the event there is always the symbolism and theology of John
expressed through what he narrates about Jesus. This first manifestation
leads his disciples to believe in him and what a wonderful sign it is since
it occurs at the happy and joyous celebration of a wedding. We read in the
very opening of the selection that "the mother of Jesus was there." It
makes us flash back in our memories to the Coming of the Magi "who found
the child with his mother." (Matthew 2:11). Our first reading from Isaiah
has Israel as the bride of the Lord God. She is cherished by God her
bridegroom as "Delight" and "Espoused." What a revelation that God is
rejoicing in Israel as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride. We all know how
much time and effort is put into the preparations for a wedding especially
by the mother of the bride. Every detail is carefull gone over till the
bride is satisfied. Mary seems to be the "mother" who is aware there could
be a social concern that would embarass the bride and her husband, namely,
the wine was running short. As the mother of Jesus she was the one who was
aware of this and very concerned. She risks asking for an unusual request
from her son. I am sure she was not sure what he could do about it, but
that does not stop her from asking and trusting that he would do something.
He changes six large vats of water into wine and the celebration goes on
probably without the bride and groom being aware of this miracle, this
first of Jesus' signs. She tells those who were in charge of serving to
"Do whatever He tells you." Then the marvelous change takes place and the
feast continues probably for a few more days! Maybe we should always
listen to her intercessory words and ponder over her greatest words in the
Fourth Gospel, "Do whatever He tells you."
(John 2:5). Amen.