Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 19, 2025

Date: 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: John 2:1-11

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So, they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So, they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from — although the servers who had drawn the water knew —, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.”

Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding at Cana as recorded in the Gospel of John. The short account draws our attention to three important truths for our spiritual journeys in life. First, we are struck by Jesus’ response to Mary, His mother. Though what she asks is not what He planned, He responded to her plea. Second, Mary’s command to the servants is a message for all of us who seek to serve Christ as His disciples – “Do whatever He tells you.” Third, we are shown the abundant possibilities when we act on Christ’s commands in faith.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I open to the needs of others regardless of my own plans? Do I prayerfully seek to discern Christ’s will for me and then do whatever He tells me? Will I tackle whatever Christ asks me to do even though I don’t understand how it will matter?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our loving Savior, You came so that we might have life and have it in abundance. You came and took on our humanity, being tested in every way as we are tested, yet without sin. You gave your life willingly upon the cross of Calvary for our sins though You are sinless for love of the Father and love of us. Send your Spirit to stir within us so that might be open to You, your love for us, and your call to follow You and do whatever You call us to do. Grant that we may find in our journey the abundance that is possible when we follow You without question. Amen.