A Few Words On "The Word"

January 14, 2007
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

John 2:1-11

Listening to Act

Weddings are truly joyous occasions. The act uniting two people in love provokes our own emotions and gives us hope. We like attending weddings because we get to experience the couple's love for one another and celebrate that love as a community. A wedding reception is the biggest party most people will ever throw for their friends and family-food and drink, family and friends, dancing and laughter, a bride and a groom.

When we go to a wedding we prepare ourselves to look the best we can. At the reception we try to participate as fully as possible. As a result we often focus our energies inward, upon ourselves, seeking to enjoy the moment and all that it brings. Just like many other events in life, such as a homecoming or prom dance, a concert, or sports game, we often forget that God can urge us to action anywhere and anytime regardless of our own agenda.

Jesus encounters this same experience in today's gospel. Just like us, Jesus has attended a wedding and is enjoying the celebration that takes place afterward. When the wine runs out and his mother suggests he do something to fix the problem, he seems to blow her off saying, "How does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come."

Jesus' response seems somewhat odd given his usual clarity and control in all situations. However, we cannot forget that Jesus was fully human. In his mind, he was not yet ready to perform miracles and thus begin a life of teaching and ministry away from home. He would rather celebrate a marriage with his friends and worry about building God's kingdom another day. God had a different plan. Since Mary already believed in the power her son possessed, God chose to act through her belief to prompt Jesus to action. Despite his somewhat heated response to Mary, Jesus' closeness to God quickly helps him to realize that his mother's prompting actually comes from the Holy Spirit.

We all have our own plans and preconceived notions regarding how our life will go. Oftentimes we get so caught up in our own agenda and fail to recognize when God is prompting us to action. When it comes to building God's kingdom, it doesn't matter if we are attending a party, a dance, or an exciting event. God seeks to act through every situation and person we encounter.

However, the hardest part about this is learning how to continuously listen for God's voice in our lives. We cannot forget that God uses other people to prompt us into action. We must listen attentively to the world around us, actively seeking the Spirit's call to action even when we least expect it.

Reflection Question

When have you let your own plans and agendas get in the way of building God's kingdom?

In what ways have you been prompted by the Holy Spirit when you least expected it?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!