SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

Nehemiah 8:2-4A, 5-6, 8-10

Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 15

1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

A BETTER WINE IS HERE!

Wine is the symbol of a festive celebration, of joy and gladness. Curiously, in all cultures, there is no wedding celebration without wine. The lack of wine or insufficient wine at a wedding celebration is embarrassing. It was in this context of wine running out at a wedding party at Cana that Jesus accomplished his first sign: he changed water into good wine. By so doing, he revealed his glory and his disciples believed in him (John 2,1-11). 

Even if in most cases, the spouses are the main characters in a weeding feast, in the case of Cana, Jesus is the hero in the story. He intervened to slide off the shame in the face of the new couple and restored their joy. Jesus’ concern for the couple and his intervention that saved their situation is echoed in the first reading. In fact, Isaiah’s prophecy expresses the covenant love between God and his people: as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride, so shall God rejoice in his people. Thus, through the prophet, the Lord announces the vindication and the restoration of the beauty, integrity and gladness of Zion. He will neither keep silent nor rest until the liberation and spiritual renewal of Israel is realized (Is. 62:1-5). 

As such, after the manifestation of the Son of God to the whole world through the Magi (Epiphany) and to the people of Israel (Baptism of the Lord), the abundance of good wine at Cana signifies the realization of God’s promises: in Jesus, God is renewing his covenant love with humanity. At Cana, Jesus reveals the generosity of God, who showers his heavenly gifts upon us. This is the generosity that St Paul sees as well in the manifold gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Let us, therefore, allow the Lord to be at the centre of our life. He is the only one who can fill our empty jars and change our situation. May he renew his covenant with us and reveal his glory in our lives, so that glory and honour may be given to his name. Amen