2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time(Cycle C, Year II)
Community Word: Those who diligently search Jesus will find joy in the Light of God.
Theme: We find joy in the Light of God when we are obedient to pastoral authority
Promise: “You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord.”(Is 62:3)
Reflection:
The readings encompass our theme for the week – We find joy in the Light of God when we are obedient to pastoral authority.
Do we believe that all good gifts come from God? As children of God, we are all under His pastoral authority and care. Because of this, we are expected to be obedient to Him in all things, that we may enjoy His promise, “You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord.” (Is 62:3). Yet, in our human weakness, we often fail to perceive the disconnection in our obedience when we claim our talents as our own, instead of acknowledging them as gifts from Him to be used in the service of others.
The 2nd reading tells us that the many gifts from God are meant for the good of all. He wants us to know that we are worthy to receive His unique gifts, but these are to be used in collaboration with our co-workers in Christ, as we serve only one God. Then again, in our human weakness, we tend to claim these gifts as personal accomplishments to boast of. But not Mary, as beautifully described in the Gospel. Despite being the human mother who gave birth to Jesus, she acknowledges in humility that Jesus is the Son of God. And her heart is always moved to help others.
An interesting question arises from this Gospel which recounts how Jesus changed water into wine at the wedding in Cana. How did Mary know what Jesus could do? Being the first to notice that the wine had run out, she naturally sought the help of her son, Jesus. With her instruction to the servants to, “Do whatever he tells you”, she triggers Jesus’ first miracle even though He said “My hour has not yet come.” Clearly, what this incident tells us, is that God’s gifts to each one is not meant only for our own benefit but for the service of others. This is reinforced by St. Paul’s exhortation in the 2nd reading when he enumerates the many different gifts of the Holy Spirit: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1Cor 12:7).
As Christian disciples, let us all learn from Scripture and strive to always think of others before ourselves. Let Jesus & Mary be our model in helping others. We should be sensitive enough to anticipate the needs of our brothers and sisters and be ready to help out, without flaunting what we have done, or broadcasting it to the whole world, for the Lord sees everything we do, especially when we serve quietly in Community.
As we reflect on God’s desire for us to be one, let us rejoice and celebrate that God has prepared a joyful feast for His people in the 1st reading. Just as one celebrates the love of a man and a woman in marriage, God, who is the bridegroom, rejoices over us, His bride. Let us ask for the gifts which will allows us to inspire and build up the bonds of love and unity in our Community. Let us join the psalmist and, “proclaim His marvelous deeds to all the nations.” (Ps 96)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to be obedient to pastoral authority at all times. Through your Holy Spirit, You have bestowed on us the gifts which are meant for the good of all and for the unity of Your people as a community of believers. For the times we have not taken seriously the gifts which flow from Your Holy Spirit, or used them selfishly, we seek Your forgiveness. Help us to realize that concern for others will be the beginning of Your wonderful miracles in our lives. Amen. Mama Mary, intercede mightily with us for this cause. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. What gifts has God given me? Do I use these gifts for my personal benefit/profit, or for the service of others in and out of Community?
2. How can I use my gifts to build up unity and love in the Community?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
January 17, 2016 (Sun) Is 62:1-5/Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10/1 Cor 12:4-11/Jn 2:1-11
January 18, 2016 (Mon) 1Sm 15:16-23/Ps 50:8-9,16-17,21,23/Mk 2:18-22
January 19, 2016 (Tue) 1Sm 16:1-13/Ps 89:20,21-22,27-28/Mk 2:23-28
January 20, 2016 (Wed) 1Sm 17:32-33,37-40-51/Ps 144:1,2,9-10/Mk 3:1-6
January 21, 2016 (Thu) 1Sm 18:6-9;19;1-7/Ps 56:2-3,9-10,10-11,12-13/Mk 3:7-12
January 22, 2016 (Fri) 1Sm 24:3-21/Ps 57:2,3-4,6,11/Mk 3:13-19
January 23, 2016 (Sat) 2Sm 1:1-4,11-12,19,23-37/Ps 80:2-3,5-7/Mk 3:20-21
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
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