Water Into Wine ~ A Call To Be Transformed

Deacon Tom writes,

“Water into Wine”

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

The Wedding Feast at Cana is the third “epiphany” of our Lord in that it is the third official occasion in which Jesus’ identity is revealed to the world. The first revelation was recounted two weeks ago on the Feast of the Epiphany when the magi came from the far corners of the world to pay homage to the Christ Child. Last week was the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord and Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved. Today at Cana Jesus reveals his power over the natural order by, of all things, changing water into wine.

Jesus is an agent of change. What was, ceases to be. What was not, comes into being. According to John, Jesus is the preexistent and Incarnate Word who comes to reveal the Father to us. Jesus comes to establish the Kingdom of God right here in our world through his creative and transforming works like this amazing miracle at Cana.

It is important for anyone who wants to experience a deeper spiritual life to be open to the transformative power of Christ. It’s difficult to make any significant changes in our lives let alone trying to break deep-seated habits or prejudices we’ve harbored for years. There are several reasons for this: first, because we don’t see them for the evils that they are, so we ignore them. Have you heard the expression, “De-nial is not just a river in Egypt?” Second, we are very good at putting off difficult changes until tomorrow. Tomorrow, of course, never comes.

Jesus’ ministry is one that invites us to change our lives. He does this by taking away our blindness, curing our paralyses, and giving us the opportunity to embrace new life. In other words, he empowers us to overcome the obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth. Jesus gives us the power to change; he gives us the living water of Baptism and the bread of life in the Eucharist. He gives us the power to come to know him though the abundant sacramental life that feeds and nourishes all who come to him.

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reveals that the transformative work begun by Jesus is continued through the power of the Holy Spirit who lavishes God’s gifts upon us for the good of all. We all drink of the one Cup that has been filled with the “Good Wine” that Jesus has made available to all who come to him looking for God’s infinite love, mercy, and compassion.

Enjoy the day!

Deacon Tom

Image by Ranosonar