GOD MANIFESTS HIS JOY IN US! ~ CookingFood.Org

“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”

Saturday, 7^thJanuary 2017,

Week before Epiphany

1 Jn 5: 14-21;

Ps 149: 1-9;

Jn 2: 1-11

In John’s Gospel there are seven “signs” that Jesus performs that reveal His power and glory. The first of His signs, reveals much to us. As the story goes, the wine at the Wedding of Cana runs short, the mother of Jesus intercedes with Him, He asks the servants to fill six stone jars with water and that water is immediately turned into wine. And it’s no ordinary wine! It’s wine of the highest quality.

Mary the mother of Jesus is a quiet person. At some juncture in the course of the celebrations, the wine failed and Mary noticed it, and brought it to the notice of Jesus. “They have no wine.” But the Son, in the first instant, wishes to affirm His independence. “My time has not yet come.” Mary, in Her usual manner, tells the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.” There is a deep understanding between Jesus and Mary. God does the will of those who do His will. Therein is the power of Mary’s prayer. Jesus turns the water into wine.

Wine is a symbol of the superabundance of God. It reveals true celebration and joy. Jesus, offering them the best of wine in abundance, reveals that He has come to fill us with an abundance of the most perfect joy. Wine was also eventually used as a medium of the Precious Blood that Jesus would pour out for the forgiveness of sins. We receive this abundant gift every time we receive Holy Communion. Let us today allow this first miraculous sign of Jesus to speak to us. Let Jesus come to fill your soul with an abundant joy.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the abundant life of grace that You offer me. I thank You for this, the first of Your miracles, and for the message You send to me and to all Your followers. Help me to put my eyes on Heaven and the superabundant life of joy that awaits me there. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen