Daily Readings - Sun Jan 19 2025
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of hope, unity, and the presence of God in our lives. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a beautiful vision of restoration and renewal. Zion, once forsaken, is now called by a new name, and her land, once desolate, is inhabited and fruitful. This passage speaks of God’s delight in His people and His commitment to bring light and joy where there was once darkness and abandonment. It is a message of hope, reminding us that even in times of trial, God’s plan for us is one of love and transformation.
The second reading from 1 Corinthians emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts within the Church. Paul reminds us that while the gifts may differ, they all come from the same Spirit and are meant to serve the common good. This passage calls us to unity and collaboration, recognizing that each person has a unique role to play in the Body of Christ. Just as the Spirit distributes gifts according to His will, we are invited to use our talents and abilities to build up the community and glorify God.
In the Gospel, we witness the first public sign of Jesus’ ministry at the wedding in Cana. When the wine runs out, Mary’s intercession leads Jesus to perform a miraculous act, turning water into wine. This story highlights the importance of faith and obedience. Mary’s trust in her Son and the servants’ willingness to do as Jesus instructed made the miracle possible. It also reveals the abundance of God’s grace, as the best wine is saved for last. Like the wedding guests, we are called to recognize and celebrate the presence of God in our lives, even in the most ordinary moments.
These readings remind us that God’s presence is transformative and that His plan for us is always one of love and renewal. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to recognize the ways in which God is at work, to use our gifts for the good of others, and to trust in His providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. May we, like Mary, have the courage to bring our needs to Jesus and, like the servants, be willing to do His will. In doing so, we will experience the joy and abundance that only God can provide.