Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, 20 January Year C

Jesus . . . revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him. (John 2:11)

Jesus’ first miracle was impressive: he turned water into wine. Because it happened at a marriage celebration, you might consider this a special wedding gift for the happy couple. But it was also a miracle performed so that his disciples would see his glory and “believe in him” (John 2:11).

John tells us that this was the first sign that Jesus performed. Then he goes on to recount six more signs, each of which is meant to deepen his disciples’ faith – and ours as well. Each sign tells us that when we place our faith in him, he sets us on a path of renewal. He takes our plain, everyday “water” and turns it into choice “wine”.

What do the other signs tell us? That Jesus’ words have the power to heal us (John 4:46-54; 5:1-9). That he wants to feed us with his Living Bread and calm the storms and anxieties in our hearts (6:1-21). That he wants to open our eyes to see him as the Lord who loves us (9:1-7; 35-39).  And that he wants to raise us from our “tombs” of sin and doubt and unbelief (11:1-44).

All of these stories point to God’s work of restoring and renewing what is lacking. They tell us that God wants to restore in us the joy of worship and to become for us the source of all blessing.

When you hear this passage proclaimed at Mass today, think about the ways in which you need to be renewed. Maybe Jesus wants to renew your zeal for him or your love for your spouse or your desire to pray. Believe that God is always at work in you, bringing back to life what has been languishing. Just as he did in Cana, he wants to supply you with the choicest of wines. And in the process, he wants to show you his glory.

Thank you, Jesus, for renewing me.

Lord, help me to see your glory so that

I can believe in you more deeply.

Meditations 20 January 2019 ~ The Word Among Us