Daily Readings - Sun Jan 16 2022
Isaiah
1For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.2And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.3Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.4Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.5For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
1 Corinthians
4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
John
1And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:2And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.3And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.6And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.7Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.8And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.9When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,10And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.11This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.12After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of transformation, unity, and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Isaiah 62:1-5 paints a vivid picture of hope and renewal. Isaiah speaks of a time when Zion and Jerusalem will be transformed, shedding their old identities of desolation for new names that reflect God's delight and presence. This passage, set in a post-exilic context, offers comfort to a people yearning for restoration, promising that God will not rest until His light shines upon them.
The second reading from 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 shifts our focus to the early Christian community, where Paul emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts. He reminds us that while our talents and abilities may differ, they all originate from the same Spirit. This unity in diversity is crucial for the functioning of the body of Christ, where each member contributes uniquely yet harmoniously. Paul's message underscores the importance of valuing each person's contribution, recognizing that together, we form a cohesive whole working towards the common good.
In the Gospel of John 2:1-12, we witness the first of Jesus's miracles at the wedding in Cana. This event is a turning point, as Jesus transforms water into wine, revealing His glory and leading His disciples to faith. Mary's intercession and trust in her Son exemplify the importance of prayer and surrender to God's timing. The miracle not only highlights Jesus's divine power but also symbolizes the transformation He brings into our lives, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Like the people of Zion, we may await transformation, trusting in God's promise of renewal. Like the Corinthians, we are called to recognize and utilize our unique gifts for the benefit of others. And like the wedding guests, we are reminded to trust in God's timing and to be open to the miraculous in our everyday lives. Let us embrace our roles, trust in God's plan, and remain open to the transformative power of His Spirit. In doing so, we may become instruments of hope, unity, and renewal in a world that deeply needs it.