God Intervenes in Our Situation

01-16-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp

The prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading of today took place after the exile. At the time of the prophecy the exile is officially over and the people were returning to their home country, but there wasn’t much joy or enthusiasm because they had expected immediate fulfillment to the promises of God. The people were feeling that the recent disaster, especially with the destruction of the temple remains a palpable distance of God from them. So, they were depressed.

As such, there was sorrow, lack of enthusiasm, and no optimism among the people, but the prophet is not carried away by their sorrows or negative depressive thoughts, but goes on to announce positive promises of God among His people. That’s why he says, “For Zion’s sake I will not be silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch”. That promise came with the birth of Jesus Christ who has come to restore all that has been lost. In the same way, God continues to speak to us words of hope and encouragement through His priests and we should not allow our present state of suffering or circumstance rob us of the hope and promises of God. He will always restore us to Himself and give us His peace and love.

The second reading enumerates the abundance of God’s gifts bestowed upon us. The emphasis is not so much on the gift one has, but on using the gift for the service of others. Our God given gifts are like offices we occupy in life. They are meant to be used to liberate people and lift them up and when we use them accordingly more blessings are laid upon us. The question for each of us is, what are the gifts God has given me and how do I use them for the good of others.

In the Gospel, we encounter the first miracle of Jesus changing water into wine at the request of His Mother. This miracle also begins His public ministry. John in his entire gospel and especially in this passage wants to prove that Jesus is fully human and fully divine. As human He attends a wedding party with His disciples and His mother was also invited to the same wedding feast. The very act of changing water into wine shows His divine nature as no one has ever done it. Miracles happen when the supernatural powers impacts the natural elements.

The abundant water transformed into wine symbolizes the joy that comes to heart, soul and mind when we welcome Jesus into our lives. The moment we welcome Jesus into our lives, and make Him the center of our lives there is a superior type of life and joy that comes with that decision. When happiness, runs dry when the sense of God is lost, when we abandon God. The transformation of water from the stone jar into a wine of superior quality is the quality of life we find in and with Christ.

We see also the role of Mary in this Miracle. It points to us the powerful role Mary plays in our own human affairs when we have recourse to her intercession in our own needs. It also manifests to us how Mary is very much concerned by our problems and does not want us to be overwhelmed by the cares and worries of life. Lastly, it tells us that Mary does not want to see us disgraced or ashamed. She intercedes for us even when we do not know it.

I wish you all a blessed Sunday filled with the power and grace of God.

Fr. Tony Okolo