2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle C

Prayer

Loving Father,

Open our hearts to your Word. May your Son, the Word of Life, fill us with joy as we reflect on his life, death, and resurrection. May we rejoice in his presence among us as we break open Scripture and share our faith together. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

1st Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5

Over the next 4 weeks, we will hold a “mini- series” on the sacraments of vocations in the Church. Our readings will help us study the beauty of the sacraments of Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders.

Certainly, in the words from Isaiah, the image of marriage is clear. God reveals through Isaiah that Zion shall be God’s bride: “For the Lord delights in you and makes your land his spouse.”

Marriage has always been raised to the level of sacred (or sacrament) because it mirrors God’s total fidelity to us. Isaiah says, “As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.” Marriage reflects how God loves and honors us in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.

The total selfless dedication of man and wife (whether or not they should have children) is truly a vocation and a ministry within the Church. It is held in high esteem.

Question

How do you see the sacrament of marriage as a ministry in the Church?

2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

A vocation in the Church is a response to the gifts of the Holy Spirit in each of us. Not everyone shares the same gifts, though we share “the same Spirit.” St. Paul says it well: “There are different forms of service but the same Lord.”

Consider, for example, three major religious orders in the Church — Franciscans, Benedictines, and Jesuits. Each have gifts that they bring to the Church and all are important. Franciscans, might call the Church to respond to the poor among us. Benedictines may call us to spend quality time with God through prayer. Jesuits invite us to know the Lord through the proclamation of the Word.

This isn’t to say that these orders don’t all serve the poor, spend time in prayer, or proclaim the Gospel. However, their unique charisms (gifts) given by the Holy Spirit remind us that there are many gifts worth sharing and all help to build up the Body of Christ — the Church.

Question

All who are baptized have gifts. As you consider your vocation and ministry, what gifts do you bring to the Church?

Gospel: John 2:1-11

The Wedding Feast at Cana serves as a beautiful reminder of the relationship between the Sacrament of Matrimony and God’s marriage to us. As Jesus and His Mother are present at the couple’s wedding, they are always with us.

When we consider the two dialogues between Jesus with his mother and then the mother with the servants, we get a glimpse at how our marriage to God is made real. Mary always stands between Jesus — the bridegroom — and the bride — the Church. She converses with both the Head (Jesus) and the Body of Christ (the Church); acknowledging that Jesus and the Church are one. Mary always offers our prayers to her Son: “They have no more wine.” But, she also commands us to follow Jesus — “Do whatever he tells you.”

The oneness of man and wife is a mirror of the oneness of Christ and the Church. Through the power of Jesus’ Heavenly Father and the prayers of His Blessed Mother, we remain one in the Lord.

Question:

How do your requests of Mary help your vocation and ministry in the Church?

This Week’s Task 

Many Catholics are convinced by non-Catholics that we make too much of Mary. However, as St. Maximilian Kolbe once said:

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much.

You can never love her more than Jesus did.”

Take time to read what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches on Mary. Consider reading Articles 963- 975.

Group Prayer

All say the following:

Lord, Who at Cana’s wedding feast

Didst as a Guest appear,

Thou dearer far than earthly guest, Vouchsafe Thy presence here.

For holy Thou indeed dost prove The marriage vow to be, Proclaiming it a type of love Between the Church and Thee.

The prayer continues with Psalm 96.

Psalm 

Response: Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all you lands.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R. Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Announce his salvation, day after day.

Tell his glory among the nations;

among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R. Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Give to the LORD, you families of nations,

give to the LORD glory and praise;

give to the LORD the glory due his name!

R. Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations.

Worship the LORD in holy attire.

Tremble before him, all the earth;

Say among the nations: The LORD is king.

He governs the peoples with equity.

Conclude with an Our Father 

Used with permission. All rights reserved. Christ in Our Neighborhood is a Scripture program designed by Bishop John P. Dolan of the Diocese of Phoenix.