Second Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Last Sunday marked the end of the Christmas liturgical season. We now turn to “Ordinary Time,” a period that encompasses the weeks not explicitly associated with the four major liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. During Ordinary Time, we focus entirely on the mystery of Christ through various Gospel readings rather than specific aspects of that mystery, which are emphasized during the other liturgical seasons. Ordinary Time consists of two segments within the liturgical year: The First Segment begins on the Monday following the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It continues until the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. The Second Segment resumes on the Monday after Pentecost and lasts until the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent. In total, the Ordinary Time period is thirty-three or thirty-four weeks, depending on the liturgical year.
The phrase “Ordinary Time” can be misleading since the events celebrated in the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter forever changed the life and future of mankind. Today’s Readings reflect the changes. In the first Reading from Isaiah 62, the prophet speaks of God’s unwavering love for His people, promising restoration and joy. In the Gospel Reading from Saint John, the Wedding at Cana illustrates how Christ came to save us and provide for us. In the second Reading from the letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul lists the different gifts the Holy Spirit bestows upon us, the followers of Christ.
With the Wedding at Cana, the Gospel according to John, begins a series of “signs”, miracles, and wondrous works of Jesus. The narrative reveals that Mary, Jesus, and his disciples were invited to the wedding – it was commonplace for all the townspeople to be invited to a wedding in a small town such as Cana of Galilee. Their presence highlights the importance of shared experiences and community, and Jesus’ transforming water into wine reveals His divine nature and care for human needs. It illustrates how God desires to enrich our lives, filling them with joy and abundance, especially in times of need. Mary, noticing the distress of the hosts, turned to her Son. This moment reveals Mary’s deep concern for others and her role as an intercessor, prompting Jesus to act. In response to her request, Jesus initially seems hesitant, stating, “My hour has not yet come” —John 2:4. Yet, Mary instructs the servants to do whatever He tells them, demonstrating her unwavering faith in Jesus’ ability to fill the need. This interaction sets the stage for the miracle that follows, where Jesus transforms six stone water jars into the finest wine.
As we reflect further on this miracle rich in symbolism, we also recognize that marriage is a sacred mystery that includes the presence of Christ, just as the banquet at Cana did. By inviting Jesus into our relationships, we are opening ourselves to His blessings and joy. The transformation of water into wine is a reminder that faith can bring about profound change, even in our moments of greatest need.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.