Daily Readings - Sun Jan 20 2019

¹For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.²The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.³You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.⁴No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.⁵As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

1 Corinthians

Chapter 12

⁴There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.⁵There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.⁶There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.⁷Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.⁸To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,⁹to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,¹⁰to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.¹¹All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

John

Chapter 2

¹On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there,²and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.³When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."⁴"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come."⁵His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."⁶Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.⁷Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.⁸Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."⁹They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside¹⁰and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now."¹¹This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.¹²After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.

Sermon

Today’s readings guide us through themes of hope, renewal, and the power of faith, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with God and our role within the community. The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a restored Zion, where God’s people are rejoiced over and given new names, symbolizing a renewed covenant. This vision of restoration is a testament to God’s enduring love and commitment to His people, offering hope to those in despair. In the Gospel, we find ourselves at the wedding in Cana, where Mary’s intercession leads to Jesus’ first miracle. This act not only showcases Jesus’ divine power but also highlights Mary’s trust and prompt action. The turning of water into wine is more than a sign; it’s a symbol of the new covenant, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, much like how God transforms our lives when we trust in Him. The second reading from Corinthians reminds us that while we each have unique gifts, we are united in the Spirit. Just as the guests at the wedding each played their part, we too are called to use our gifts for the common good. This unity in diversity is a powerful reminder of the body of Christ, where every member is valued. In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God’s timing and to recognize the significance of our contributions. Like Mary, we can intercede for others, trusting that God will act in His time. Embracing our roles within the community, we celebrate our diversity and work together towards a common purpose. Let us draw inspiration from these readings to live with hope, unity, and faith, trusting in God’s plan and valuing each person’s unique gifts.