2nd Sunday of the Year Turning Water into Wine The first miracle, or rather sign, that is given in the Gospel of John is a strange one. On first look, it seems that Jesus’ entrance into his public life is to save the social embarrassment of a young couple at their wedding. Was another lot of wine really necessary? And so much? One wag has even suggested that it was Jesus’ new friends – the disciples – who may have caused the problem in the first place. A large group of young men can certainly go through wine. But this sign reveals a great deal on many different levels. We see the revelation of God in an ordinary human situation. We have the insight of Mary into what is happening. We see her discrete but firm intervention ensuring that something happens. An ordinary difficult moment is turned into a place of God’s abundant grace. For most of us, most of the time, that is how we encounter God. A difficult situation, an embarrassing moment, a challenge that is beyond us – these are the times we can grow in God’s grace. Turning to God when things don’t turn out the way we want is a sure way of growing in the awareness of God’s presence. It is also an education into the divine ways. It is worth taking stock of the difficult moments that you experienced over the last week. Did you ask for God’s grace or rather grumble about the unfairness of it all? If we don’t open ourselves to God in the ordinary we won’t be ready for the extraordinary. Our understanding is limited and we need to grow up to grace. In opening ourselves to God we acknowledge our limitations and say we are prepared for the wonder of grace. For us too, the water of our lives may be turned into the best wine of God’s grace.
Sr Kym Harris OSB |