Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 62: 1-5 - Psalm 96 - 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 - John 2: 1-11
In today’s gospel selection, we join Mary, Jesus, and friends as they enjoy the events of the famed wedding feast of Cana: John’s setting for Jesus’ first public miracle. As hearers of the word, we are invited to listen to and read this familiar story “not again” but with a new openness to receiving the living Word of God.
A “fresh reading” offers us several details to reflect on, and I am drawn to the specific notation that the large stone jugs were used to hold the water for Jewish ceremonial washings/cleansings. I ponder why John wants us to know this information and what significance its inclusion has for the story and for the progression of Jesus’ mission.
Last week’s gospel selection highlighted the inauguration of Jesus’ mission. In that story, we found ourselves lined up at the Jordan River, waiting to be Baptized by John. It was a dunking that signified our readiness to turn away from harmful habits and make a fresh start with our lives, a cleansing of sorts. Jesus arrives and through his Baptism, cleansing waters not only become holy, but transforming making all who receive his Sacramental cleansing into a new creation.
According to the Law, participation in the Jewish ceremonial washings was required for spiritual and bodily cleansing. Jesus, himself Jewish, would clearly understand the importance of the jars for this ritual. Yet Jesus intentionally repurposes their use and ushers in a new era. The cleansing waters that fill these jars become transformed into a new creation, the wine of new life for the wedding celebration and the wine of new life for his followers. While the reading of this Scripture causes us to notice and celebrate this event as Jesus’ first miracle, it also causes us to notice Jesus’ subtle seeding of the New Law. It is a seeding that will gradually unfold for believers his identity as Messiah. It is the first of Jesus’ many transforming actions, which will culminate for us in the gift of Eucharistic sacrifice.
As a Eucharistic people, we take part in the transforming work of Jesus. What new actions can we engage in to bring new life to others?
Sr. BarbaraAnn Sgro, OP