SIGNS, WONDERS, GLORY - 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (1/16/2022)

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

January 16, 2022

Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 96
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
John 2:1-11

SIGNS, WONDERS, GLORY

Epiphany, Baptism, and now Cana - these are traditionally the three "manifestations" of Jesus the Messiah as he comes into the world for his mission and ministry. In today's gospel we hear about the first "sign" that Jesus worked, revealing his glory. The second reading concerns the gifts of the Holy Spirit - also "signs" of the Lord in our midst. The first reading describes Israel as "God's Delight" and the spouse of the Lord - yet another "sign" of God's glory.

ISAIAH

Today's first reading is from the second part of Isaiah, called the Book of Consolation, dealing with the return of the exiles from the Babylonian Captivity.

This reading speaks of "vindication" and "victory;" a crown and diadem; God's Delight and being Espoused to God: "For the Lord delights in you and makes your land his spouse."

The marriage theme prepares us for the gospel of the wedding at Cana.

GOSPEL

The first thing we learn about the wedding in Cana is that "the mother of Jesus was there;" and then, "Jesus and his disciples were also invited." (An enviable guest list, wouldn't you say?)

The narrative suggests that Mary was helping to coordinate the servers for the feast. She notices the lack of wine and approaches Jesus with the problem.

The communication between Jesus and Mary is informative and inspiring. Jesus seems initially reluctant to get involved, but Mary simply instructs the servers, "Do whatever he tells you." We know the rest of the story - water changed into wine...the very best wine!

An obvious lesson from this account is Mary's exquisite sensitivity to the plight of the bride and groom and their families. However, we can also see what happens when the mother of Jesus brings a problem to him. No wonder she is called Our Lady of Prompt Succor!

FIRST CORINTHIANS

The second reading comes from St. Paul's most extensive teaching on the charisms, the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He says, "there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who performs all of them in everyone."

Paul then lists the gifts, which have been commonly divided into these categories:

Gifts that work through the mind, understanding, and speech: expression of wisdom, expression of knowledge.

Sign gifts: faith, gifts of healing, mighty deeds (sometimes translated "miracles").

Revelation gifts: prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues and interpretation.

"But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes." No one has all the gifts, but each person has some gift to contribute to the Body of Christ.

HOLY SPIRIT, MARY, AND MARRIAGE

This Sunday liturgy, coming early in this new year, is filled with love, joy and hope. The Isaiah reading has the Lord speaking words of victory and spousal love to Israel. The gospel shows us the tender compassion and concern of Mary for an important need of a newly-married couple. St. Paul indicates that the Holy Spirit is active in giving gifts to build up the kingdom of God.

A fitting summary to all of this is the glory and praise found in the Responsorial, Psalm 96: "Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations."