Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, 19 January 2025 (EPISODE: 514)

Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, 19 January 2025 (EPISODE: 514)

mage Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/OQi4BGzXAZyYtK2REs2f?ru=Paul-Evangelion 

GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND

Homily: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.Year C - Sunday, 19 January 2025

(EPISODE: 514)

 

Readings for Sunday, 19 January 2025 - Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C
FIRST READING: Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 96:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 9-10ac. "Proclaim his marvellous deeds to all the nations."
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14). Alleluia, alleluia! God has called us with the Gospel, to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
GOSPEL: John 2:1-12
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily) for Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, 19 January 2025, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-second/s-TP6gPwtSo8d  (EPISODE: 514)
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(Fr Paul Kelly)

Christ's ministry was an extensive one. His mission was all-encompassing. Its final focus would be nothing less than the fulfilment of his mission through something he described as his great ultimate hour or time.

 

This hour or time would be when he, as the sacrificial lamb of God, would offer his very self for the life of the world. Christ's great message to us is that God leaves the best for last. And the good news is that at the very last, God will be utterly faithful to us and fulfil all his promises to us.

 

Everything about God and Christ's earthly life and mission, his suffering, his death, and his resurrection, is top shelf. There are no half measures with God, shown by Jesus's life. No half-baked quality here, but the best of everything for us.

 

At the very outset of his public ministry, Mary, his beloved mother, asks our Lord to help a wedding couple in a terrible situation. They're in a socially embarrassing situation at their wedding reception. Christ turns this simple act of kindness into a sign of the kingdom and a sign of the meaning of his whole ministry, which is to provide the best wine of mercy, compassion, inclusion, charity and heartfelt invitation into the banquet feast of the kingdom of God.

 

He is surely asking this question of his mother in an ironic way when he says, why turn to me? My hour has not yet come to provide the best wine of the wedding feast of the kingdom of God, where I will be bridegroom and the people of God will be the bride. Of course, he immediately helps and uses this incident as a foretaste of what is to come, and what a beautiful foretaste it is. If this is just a sample of the kingdom of God, then our minds are truly blown.

 

We're astounded, and so we should be, with this richness, this graciousness, this absolute non-stinginess that God operates out of all the time. This is what we're invited into. This is what we're invited to become more and more in our own lives and actions too.

 

This gospel would have to be one of the most delightful and profound passages, and it has so many levels and is rich in symbolism. You can tell from the subtle difference between what is said and what is done, that the translation of this particular incident is complicated, and our traditional translations don't quite capture the full picture of what's going on here. But we can still guess at it, if we could have seen the faces of Jesus and Mary as they spoke, and if we could have observed their body language and the tone of their voice, I am sure the true meaning would be even clearer.

 

But the clarity is still there. To expand on the situation, this is probably a more accurate picture of what was going on. Mary turned to Jesus and said, they've run out of wine.

 

Now this situation would be intolerable and utter humiliation to this humble village wedding couple and their families, and a terrible failure of strong traditions of hospitality expected in that time and culture. Mary was clearly feeling for the terrible shame that would have occurred for this poor family. It would have ongoing repercussions for this humble bride and groom at the very start of their lives as a family.

 

Perhaps they could not afford the sufficient amount of wine required. If we could see Jesus' reaction, it would reveal much. Perhaps better still, this can be more effectively rendered as, my lady, is this the time when I will pour forth the new wine of the kingdom? Surely it's not that time.

 

He's being ironic and speaking as a prophet. Jesus knows that he's come into the world to usher in the fullness of the kingdom, to pour forth the wine, the new wine of the covenant, sealed in his own blood, poured forth as a ransom for all. He knew that that new wine of the kingdom would only come in its fullness when he had suffered, died and rose again.

 

I think he would have had a twinkle in his eye and perhaps also a tear in his eye as he noted that this was all ahead of him. It was all yet to come. It would mean his complete self-sacrifice, an utterly generous offering of absolutely all of himself, the absolute completeness of God's gracious love for us.

 

However, this moment at the wedding would be a little forerunner and sign of the true wine of the kingdom, which is about God's utter faithfulness, God's graciousness and mercy, God's overflowing and immeasurable generosity and kindness, particularly to people who are in a bind. This action is a wonderful sign of God's kingdom of joy, justice and inclusion. The Virgin Mary knew he was going to do something about this situation, for he is graciousness and compassion personified.

 

Mary trusted in him totally. Our Lady also surely knew that he was going to do greater things in the future, of which this example was only a rich and stunning foretaste. We know that John the Baptist had been preaching the imminent coming of the Messiah.

 

John the Baptist had actually warned of a time of God's judgment and retribution, of fearful punishment of sins. This wedding miracle, however makes it quite clear that the Messiah will come not with a big stick of judgment but with graciousness, mercy, generosity, compassion, kindness and the joy of a time of great jubilee and celebration. Jesus the Messiah would characterise the kingdom of God as a messianic banquet feast, rather than an apocalyptic time of punishment, judgment, and retribution.

 

Perhaps Jesus' reply to Mary, remembering that he was still in the very early days of his ministry, also indicated, so is this how it's to be? Not fasting, austerity, punishment and severity, but the overflowing generosity and joy of God's time of favour? So be it. Let's see already unfolding the outpouring of God's overwhelming generosity. Let's see.

 

Let us taste it. Fill those stone jars over there and let us see which it is to be. For Jesus trusted totally in his heavenly father and was utterly obedient to the father's will, as Mary would certainly have known when she asked the question of Jesus and when she instructed the attendants to do everything he tells you.

 

Instructions kept to the letter. There's something else too. This is a profound miracle and a beautiful sign.

 

It's a reminder of God's blessing of marriage, the gracious generosity of God's love for us and his joining with us in the joyful and sacred moments of our lives. What a wonderful miracle to reveal God sitting amongst us and enjoying and blessing marriage and times of joy. Why did Jesus not reserve this amazing sign for a more so-called important event, like a dinner where Herod was present or where Pontius Pilate was there to be convinced beyond doubt of Jesus' credentials? But of course we know the answer to that.

 

That's not God's ways. That would be human thinking. God deliberately chose a humble family wedding in a small and poor village to show the utter faithfulness of God's glory and graciousness.

 

God's message is for the poor. God's kingdom is found in the everyday in the ordinary and the humble shall inherit the kingdom. It's also for the ordinary people that Jesus came to bring the good news, just as much for those high and mighty.

 

It also says something really important about the ordinary everyday events of our home life, our work life and our social life. God's kingdom is to be encountered just as much in the everyday and ordinary events of life as in the occasional and extraordinary events that can occur as well. This wedding feast miracle brought God right down into the home, into the home circle, into the ordinary things of life.

 

Jesus' action at Cana of Galilee shows what he really thought of the home. God manifested his glory and that showing of his true glory took place within a home. To him, home was a place where nothing but the best was good enough.

 

It was where he put his best foot forward. We've already seen that hospitality was always a sacred duty in the East. It would have brought unspeakable embarrassment and shame to that home that day if the wine had run out.

 

It was to save a humble Galilean family from hurt that Jesus put forth his power that day. It was in sympathy, in kindness, in understanding for ordinary humble folk that Jesus always acted.

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References:

Homily by Fr Paul W. Kelly

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN. Volume 1, (Chapters 1 to 7). REVISED EDITION. Translated with an Introduction and Interpretation, by WILLIAM BARCLAY. THE WESTMINSTER PRESS, PHILADELPHIA. 1975.

Image Credit:   https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/OQi4BGzXAZyYtK2REs2f?ru=Paul-Evangelion

Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C  (Sunday, 19 January 2025)
(EPISODE: 514))
The Lord be with you.
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{{Kindness and grace to you all}}

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy
You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth: Christ, have mercy
You are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Psalm 96:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 9-10ac. "Proclaim his marvellous deeds to all the nations."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14). Alleluia, alleluia! God has called us with the Gospel, to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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PREFACE: Sundays I
EP II
Communion side.  pwk:  LH
(theme variation: v7 )
(pre+post variation: v1-long)
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{I gratefully acknowledge and give thanks to God for your prayers at this time of prayer and reflection upon our God.}

Go in peace. (glorifying the Lord by your life)

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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email:  paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to the weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants  — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009,  The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful -   " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'.   E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria,  Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John Kelly -     Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.

- "Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: -     Shure MV5-USB

Editing equipment:       NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[Production -  KER -  2025]
May God bless and keep you.
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Shorter version:

 

Christ's ministry was extensive and all-encompassing, ultimately focused on fulfilling his mission during what he described as his great ultimate "hour." This "hour" would culminate when Jesus, as the sacrificial lamb of God, would offer himself for the life of the world. His message is that God leaves the best for last, and at the end, God will be utterly faithful and fulfill all his promises.

 

Everything about God and Christ's life—his suffering, death, and resurrection—is of the highest quality. There are no half measures with God, demonstrated by Jesus's life.

 

At the outset of his public ministry, Mary, his beloved mother, asks Jesus to help a wedding couple in distress. He turns this simple act of kindness into a sign of the kingdom, illustrating his mission to provide the finest wine of mercy, compassion, and inclusion at the banquet feast of God's kingdom.

 

When Jesus asks Mary why she should turn to him, about this matter, he adds that his "hour has not yet come," he does so ironically. However, he immediately responds and transforms the situation into a beautiful foretaste of what is to come. If this is just a sample of the kingdom of God, we are astounded by the richness and generosity that God offers.

 

This gospel passage is delightful and profound, and rich in symbolism. The interaction between Jesus and Mary reveals layers that traditional translations may not capture fully. Mary approaches Jesus, expressing concern that the wedding has run out of wine, an intolerable situation in the society and culture of that time and place, and which bring humiliation to the couple and their families.

 

Perhaps Jesus's response can be interpreted as, "Is this the time for the new wine of the kingdom?" He knows that the fullness of the kingdom will only come through his suffering, death, and resurrection. Yet, this wedding moment serves as a foretaste of God's faithfulness and generosity, particularly to those in need.

 

Mary trusted in Jesus completely, knowing he would do greater things in the future.

 

John the Baptist preached about the coming of the Messiah, warning of judgment, but this wedding miracle clarifies that the Messiah comes with mercy, compassion, and joy, characterizing the kingdom of God as a messianic wedding banquet rather than a time of punishment and hardship.

 

Jesus's reply to Mary indicates that his ministry would be marked by overflowing generosity, compassion and joy. He trusted in his heavenly Father and was obedient to the Father's will, just as Mary iis completely faithful and trusting to Jesus. Mary instructs the attendants to "do everything he tells" them.

 

This miracle is a profound sign of God's blessing of marriage and God's real  presence in our joyful moments in life. Jesus chose a humble village wedding to reveal God's faithfulness and graciousness, showing that God's message is for the poor and ordinary people as well as the high and mighty. (wouldn't this moment have had more profound effect if this miracle had occurred in the middle of a public feast held by, for example, King Herod?  ,But no, that is earthly thinking and resorting to spectacles to convince worldly people), that is not the way of Christ, nor the way of the Kingdom)

 

This miracle demonstrates that God's kingdom can be encountered in everyday life, not just in extraordinary events. Jesus's action at Cana shows the importance of home and hospitality, revealing God's glory in ordinary settings. He acted out of kindness and understanding for humble folk, saving a family from embarrassment and showcasing the true nature and depth of God's love.