By Fr. Andrew Kelly
SECOND SUNDAY ORDINAL TIME – JAN. 20
“My hour has not yet come.” This is Jesus’ mysterious answer to his mother in Sunday’s Gospel (John 2:1-2) when Jesus is informed: “They have no wine.”
The “hour” Jesus is referring to is when Jesus revealed the full glory of the Father as Jesus hung dying on the cross.
Jesus’ mother issued a command:
“Do whatever Jesus tells you.”
Six huge stone water jars were filled with water. In the wordless silence of Jesus’ presence, the water became an abundance of wine so rich and fine that the chief steward exclaimed:
“But you have kept the good wine until now.”
Jesus’ “hour” on the cross gives meaning to the abundance of wine when this happened:
“Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out.” (John 19:34)
The “blood (Eucharist)” and “water (baptism)” flowing from Jesus’ side is the new wine that still purifies, saves and reveals Jesus’ glory to believers just like the wine did at Cana.
However for Jesus’ new wine to be made manifest today, Jesus’ mother’s faith is needed: “Do what ever Jesus tells you.” Along with: “…and Jesus’ disciples believed in Jesus.”
(Father Andrew Kelly is a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport.)
Scripture Readings for Jan. 20-27
Sunday
Is 62:1-5
1 Cor 12:4-11
Jn 2:1-11
Monday
Heb 5:1-10
Mk 2:18-22
Tuesday
Heb 6:10-20
Mk 2:23-28
Wednesday
Heb 7:1-3, 15-17
Mk 3:1-6
Thursday
Heb 7:25—8:6
Mk 3:7-12
Friday
Acts 22:3-16 or Acts 9:1-22
Mk 16:15-18
Saturday
2 Tm 1:1-8 or Ti 1:1-5
Mk 3:20-21
Sunday
Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
1 Cor 12:12-30 or 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27
Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21
