Sunday January 20th
2nd
Sunday Ordinary Time (Cycle C)
Everybody Loves a
Wedding
The tie in between
today’s reading: Scripture Wedding Theme
Going
through today’s readings, I discovered a wedding theme. I don’t know anybody
who doesn’t like a good wedding. There’s something there for everyone. Some
like a beautiful ceremony. Others enjoy a church adorned with flowers for your
senses and music for your soul. If you’re into clothes, the wedding party in
front is bringing their fashion “A” game to the occasion. Take a picture. It
won’t last long once they get to the reception. Maybe you’re into emotions. The
enraptured groom beams as he watches his radiant bride process up the aisle
accompanied by her father choking back tears knowing that he will soon hand
over his little girl to a young man who was once a stranger, now a son, and
then slip away. With nervous confidence, they pledge their undying love to each
other and seal their promise with a ring and a kiss. Applause. Applause. With a
lighter step, they walk together to the church door. The new Mr. and Mrs. stand
and greet their guests on the way to the reception with hugs, handshakes, and
kisses. No matter what you think about weddings one thing is sure: for the man
in the black tux and the woman in the white gown, everything has changed.
Nothing will ever be the same from this day forth.
Another
moment when nothing will be the same is in today’s reading at the wedding at
Cana (John 2:1-12). Jesus has been baptized, tested in the desert, and is
ramping up His ministry as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the
world. Mother Mary informs Jesus that the wine is running out (a big
embarrassment). With love and respect He tells her that they have a different
relationship now. Everything has changed. Jesus responds to the need by
changing the water into wine and demonstrating that He is the Lord of Creation.
Miracle #1. Jesus stays in Capernaum for a few days after the wedding with His
mother, brothers, and disciples. I wonder what they talked about at dinner.
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Getting
back to our wedding reception, for some the best part of the day where we can
catch up with family and friends, as well as meet the new people on the other
side. There is a spirit of joy so pervasive that even the most cynical among
us, for a moment at least, celebrate the promise of a love that never fails.
Which leads me to my favorite part of the reception: The Toast. The best man,
maid of honor, and others will stand and relate humorous and touching stories
of what wonderful people the new couple are. These endearing accounts give us
confidence that together they will make it through the storms of life. Psalm 96
has the marks of a great toast. It sings the praises of God, relates His great
deeds, and looks forward to a bright future.
Then
there are the wedding gifts to help the newlyweds get started on their lives
together. Money in a card is nice, but I like to see the presents piled up on
the table like a little Christmas. It shows thoughtfulness and maybe, if you
picked up a good deal on Amazon, you got them a little bit more. We, the
Church, are the bride of Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us
gifts to help the whole family of God. Each is picked out specifically for each
individual for them to play their part in their new relationship with Jesus and
each other. So open your gift. Get to know it. Experiment with it like a bride
with new cookware. After a while, you’ll be ready to host Thanksgiving.
Now,
the Honeymoon: the climax of the day. The rapture of the couple’s new
relationship cannot be compared to any earthly experience. Isaiah 62:55 is
Jesus’ declaration of joy with His new bride, the Church. He just can’t contain
Himself! You can feel the love through the page as He claims her as His
beloved. He offers that love to you right now too. Accept His proposal and take
Him as your Savior, Lord, and Spouse. He will wash your sin from you, dress you
in His glorious purity, and lead you by the hand to His Marriage Supper, where
all who come will live happily ever after.
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