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Reflection for Sunday 01/17/10

READINGS
First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
Second Reading: Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel: John 2:1-11

REFLECTION:
It was Mary who noticed that the host was running out of wine at the wedding at Cana. Wanting to save the bride and groom from embarrassment, Mary asked Jesus to help them. Jesus balked at first but then turned the six stone jars of water into wine. Not into ordinary wine, but into exceptionally good wine. So good a wine that the steward was surprised that the bridegroom was serving it so late in the celebration. Mary surely was pleased that the problem was resolved, but she must also have been surprised at the resolution. When she asked Jesus to help, did she really expect a miracle? When we ask God for help in difficult situations aren’t we sometimes surprised at how things work out? Friends or even strangers come to our aid. Sometimes we draw on inner strength we didn’t know we had. And sometimes we become able to look at a problem from a fresh perspective and the solution appears clear and manageable. This miracle at the wedding of Cana demonstrates to us that God’s grace comes at unexpected times and in unexpected ways.

1. When have you stepped in, as Mary did at Cana, to try and make a difficult situation easier for someone?
2. What can you do this week to help make someone’s job a little easier?

PRAYER:
Free me, Lord, so that I recognize your presence in my life and allow your Spirit to work in my soul. Help me to welcome your unexpected gifts with gratitude. Amen