HOMILY FOR THE 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

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HOMILY FOR THE 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

HOMILY THEME: MARY’S SENSITIVITY AND INTERCESSION AT CANA

BY: Fr. Peter Gabriel Okon

Is. 62:1-5, I Cor. 12:4-11, Jn. 2:1-11

Today, we celebrate the Liturgy of the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Ordinary Time amongst other things is a season marked by expected growth in our Christian witnessing. The readings today highlights God’s love for us, expressive in the varied gifts bestowed upon us and His desire to vindicate His elect. The miracle at Cana is a pointer to God’s providence and more profoundly a precursor to His transforming gift in the Eucharist. At the instance of this miracle, Mary’s intercessory role and sensitivity to our needs as her children plays out loudly.

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In the first reading from the prophecy of Isaiah, we see a God who is very sensitive to the plight of His people and moves to vindicate them. It says, “ For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest until her vindication goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will give” (Isaiah 62:1-2). Zion here is another name for the City of God, Jerusalem. Isaiah envisioned the future of Jerusalem in the midst of its ruins to encourage the people in exile and remind them of God’s abiding love and presence amongst them. Today the Church is the new Jerusalem, and God’s Word and promises remain same for all eternity. Those who put their trust in Him will surely be vindicated.

St Paul in the second reading reminds us that we are differently gifted by the Holy Spirit for same purpose of reflecting God’s glory. Our gifts are not for self seeking but freely given for the common good, to foster unity and harmony within the Body of Christ, the Church. Unfortunately and sadly so, today, some have began to see the gifts of God as personal property and thus, utilizes these gifts against the purpose for which they were given. Every gift when properly used, reflects the presence of God within the community of believers and every gift when misused diminishes itself and falls short of God’s glory. Let us therefore, look inwardly and pray to discover our gifts and use them for God’s glory and for our own salvation.

In the Gospel, the Apostle John narrates the event of the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle of turning water into wine. This first miracle of Jesus signifies not just a physical transformation, an expression of Divine Providence, but most profoundly foreshadows His final miracle of turning wine into His own blood for our spiritual nourishment leading to eternal life. (Matt 26:26-29, Mark 14: 22-24, Lk 22: 14-23). The turning of water into wine is a stage in the evolution of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, just like the multiplication of five loaves and fish leads the discourse on Bread of Life, the Eucharist.

An interesting detail in the miracle at Cana is the role of the Mother of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary. Both Mary and Jesus Christ were invited to the marriage feast and as a concerning guest Mary noticed that the host might be disgraced in their big occasion by running out of wine. Mary demonstrates faith in Jesus, entrusting the situation to Him despite His initial response. This act reflects the model of discipleship – obedience and trust in Jesus’ authority. Mary instructs the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them, demonstrating trust in His ability. As followers of Jesus, in every situation, we must learn to do whatever He tells us through the Scriptures and the teaching authority of the Church – the magisterium. Mary has shown us how it works. Equally, Mary is always there to prepare us to encounter Jesus and experience our miracles.

Beloved in Christ, like Jerusalem in the first reading and the Couples at Cana in the Gospel, people are going through a lot in our time. Many for several reasons may not share their story with others. Some are deeply wounded, some are despaired and frustrated, some are gradually getting depressed, some are sick, hungry, helpless, forsaken and disappointed about life. Many are shading tears that are unseen as a result of moral, physical and spiritual burdens. Many are truly broken. Hence, as we continue the season of expected growth in virtue, let us learn from Mary to be sensitive to those around us. We can be their bridge, leading them to Jesus Christ for help. We can be their intercessors, presenting their situation before God, for a vindication. We can provide the “water” for the miracle of transformation through the little help we offer. We can whisper words of courage and affirmations, even if it is all we can do. Whatever good we can let us do it, let it be that through us, others come to experience the miracle of super-abundance, rather than shame them in their distressing moments.

God promised that He will not be silent nor rest until Zion is vindicated, that nations and kings will see the glory of Zion. God never fails in His promises, let us appropriate these for ourselves and seek to grow our gifts and charisms in humility and love, through which God’s glory will shine forth in us and kings and nations will acknowledge Him to be the Lord.

May the transforming power of the Word of God fill out hearts and help us to put to good use our gifts and charisms so as to become visible signs of His presence in our world through Christ our Lord Amen.

Wishing you a happy Sunday.

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