First Reading - 1 John 5:14-21
Gospel - John 2:1-11
The first reading invites us to reflect upon two things: firstly, believers are to be confident in the Son of God, who hears their prayers; secondly, God forgives the sins of his people provided they are not deadly (which can kill our souls and lead us to eternal damnation - we can compare this with mortal sins).
In the gospel we hear about the first miracle of Jesus, which John refers to as a “sign,” takes place in the village of Cana in Galilee, located some eight miles northeast of Nazareth. The sign from Jesus follows the problem noticed by Mary. When Mary pointed out the problem to Jesus, the reply seems, on the surface, to be a bit sharp. This, however, is to misunderstand the passage. Although Jesus addressed his mother as “Woman” or “Dear Woman,” the term was roughly equivalent to our word “lady” or “madam”, and was not, in itself, unnecessarily harsh. It was, in fact, a term of respect and is the same word Jesus used in addressing Mary from the cross, saying of John, “Woman, behold your Son.” Besides, by calling her “woman,” Our Lord is linking the Blessed Virgin Mary to Eve. In the Protoevangelium in Genesis, God revealed that the demonic serpent would be defeated by the seed of the woman. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. (Gn 3:15).
Jesus’ next words are also easily misunderstood. He asked Mary, “What is it to me and to you?” This implies no rudeness on Jesus’ part. Probably, it means, “We are guests, and guests are not expected to supply the things needed at a feast.” Jesus further protested, “My hour has not yet come,” The “hour” of Jesus includes the Passion, death, Resurrection and Ascension taken as one great event. In spite of Jesus’ detachment from the problem, Mary instructs the waiters, “Do whatever He tells you,” showing Faith that her Son would do what the newlyweds and their families really needed. The Church uses the account of this miracle to remind us that even in the face apparent impossibility, we should not lose faith like Mary who believed that Jesus would perform a sign.
Dear friends, the gospel of the day draws our focus to have confidence in God even in the face of apparent impossibility. Mary sets an example of trust for us even in the face apparent impossibility. As the first reading and the gospel stress on the aspect confidence that we need to place in God that is what called as faith.
The gospel reminds us that we have a great intercessor in the person of mother Mary. Mary stands as an intercessor between the needy people and Jesus. She requests for the needy people. Hence, we have a constant intercessor in mother Mary particularly in our needs. Therefore, we shouldn't forget to show our respect to blessed mother by our devotion to her.
The first reading reminds us that we should not be afraid or hesitant to draw near to God in confidence for our needs and needs of others because He is ever ready to hear us. Our decision to approach God in our needs reveals our faith in Him. Mary shows it for us in the gospel. When she perceived the need, she approached Jesus in confidence. Let's exhibit the same kind of confidence in God in approaching for our needs or the needs of others.
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