Walking with Jesus: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time C

For Sunday, January 19, 2025

Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, John 2:1-11


Today we begin Ordinary Time, even though Last Sunday’s Baptism of the Lord is considered the First Sunday. The readings today carry over to ones we considered during Christmas season. Then we consider the “new era” God initiates during the birth of Jesus. Now the point comes directly to you and me: What should we have done with this? What are we going to do with this? What are we to do with us? God acts — are we obligated to follow His initiative? Why would God do anything that doesn’t have any relationship to us? How open are we to the new demands of the Messiah — God being born into our midst? Last week we looked at the Holy Spirit’s activity at the Birth of Jesus; today we reflect on how the Spirit has been active in our own lives. Are we responding? Why or why not? We reflect on what is found in the readings today.

Scholars refer to chapter four in Isaiah 56-66 as the “Third Isaiah” because it comes from a post-exilic prophet who is neither the “First Isaiah” (Isaiah from Jerusalem) NOR the “Second Isaiah” (the prophet in chapters 40-55). This new section focuses on the transformation of the land of Israel and the city at its center, Jerusalem. Jerusalem has been invaded and conquered. Its main spiritual, religious and nationalistic leaders have been carried off to Babylon to be “re-educated” … “reformed.” Israel has been “forgotten” but not deserted by God. In the gospel account of the Wedding at Cana, the head waiter has tasted the water that has become wine — not having any idea how or why this has happened. John puts this into perspective: “Jesus did this at the beginning of His signs at Cana and so revealed His glory, and His disciples began to believe in Him.” [John 2:11] God’s plan from the very beginning is now made clear. Why does all this happen? It is God's plan. God desires to introduce the most special part of creation through Jesus: His love and His plan for all people to realize Heaven is God’s gift to all. It just doesn’t come gratis; it’s for each of us, which is TRUE — but what must be my role — our role — in deserving such a magnanimous gift? To love as God loves. How am I doing right now? What do I need to do? Since God loves, I must be love to all.

Paul continues with a detailed description of how this will be done: in union WITH God, not separate from God. It’s not to be done the way I want to do it; it’s with God’s plan. But we object: “I don’t know what to do or how to do it.” God doesn’t leave us empty-handed or alone as were the people in the Babylonian slavery period. Paul explains how the Father, Son, and Spirit help through “gifts” — a reference to the operations of the Spirit, mostly in ministry within the community (diakonia) — serving at table, and collecting money for the poor and needy. Paul then describes the list of manifestations and the diversity of the spiritual ones: Some are more spiritually advanced than others (prophesying by speaking in tongues with the ability and interpret, all given to unite the community in love, not to divide it). Doing it my way divides; God’s ways unite since God is love. The challenge facing Paul is that gifts from God are a cause of enrichment for the community, not dissension. Do people see serving love and care, or do they see selfishness? God is love!

At the Wedding at Cana, the turning of water into wine is certainly (a) the miracle of the day at Cana, but it also is (b) the love of the spouses and the gathering of family, and (c) the joy of community celebrating. Three distinct miracles — everyone has a role — and it’s all about understanding and living God’s love together … united … supportive … caring … sharing ... simply being Christ to one another, being love to one another, and being grateful for God’s gifts — enabling us to love, put our selfishness behind us, and work for seeing and living God’s love to each person.

So what happened? The disciples believe in Jesus. This sign enables a wondrous feat that points beyond itself to a deeper reality. Everyone has a role … everyone learns love … if THEY love. God’s plan has begun in earnest. Note that the personal name of Jesus’ mother never appears. Jesus calls her “woman” — not a term of disrespect but one that refers to what we would use today: “Ma’am.” Jesus’ time has begun. He will not continuously manifest “in signs and wonders;” His glorification will come to a climax when He is lifted on the cross. Many more times His glory will be manifested — His miracles center not only on displaying His supernatural powers but also on GOD breaking into the human scene, always showing His love. Jesus’ enactment of that love shows each of us how important you and I are to God. “Love is the answer.”

So I reflect on:

• Today’s feast gives reference to the Eucharist. It is a must that Jesus is seen and God’s love is acknowledged — I must celebrate each mass as my first mass. I need God’s help and your love and support.

Sacred Space 2025 states:

“In our Christian lives there are times for joyful celebration and being in the company of friends. The presence of Jesus and His mother was truly a blessing for this young couple as they began married life. May we invite the Lord into all the events of our lives.

“Mary the mother of Jesus has been given to us as our mother too, and she takes her role seriously, as we know from her apparitions to us over the centuries. Here we see her compassion for this young couple and her complete trust in her son. She will be no different with us; she will always bring us closer to her Son. Let us speak to her now or prayerfully repeat the words of the Memorare.”