“Miracles: Sings of Wonder that Inspire Faith!”
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – C
There are two points I would like to make about our gospel passage today. The first, we think of miracles as spectacular events; something wonderful, astonishing, and beautiful! It would also imply that the event is beyond scientific explanation and that there was a divine intervention. And usually, the reaction to a miracle would be surprise and wonder, astonishment as well as thanksgiving and rejoicing. In short, a miracle is not the work of man but the work of God, and what is impossible to man is possible for God.
But a miracle can also be a humble and ordinary event that inspires faith and brings about hope for someone. This gospel account is about the astonishing event of water changing into wine at the wedding at Cana. But notice the gospel did not use the word “miracle” to describe the event. Rather, the gospel said that it was the “first of the signs given by Jesus, and in it He let His glory be seen.” The sign is a reality that points to something more spectacular – that Jesus is God as well as man!
Second, notice the comment of Mary to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you!” In this comment is a message for us also, to be obedient to God and listen to what He is telling us through His Son Jesus.
So, the gospel account of the water changing into wine at the wedding at Cana teaches us first, to open our minds and hearts to the signs and wonders that God is showing us. Mary, the Bride and Groom, the servants and the six stone jars were signs that contributed to the profound signs of who Jesus is and what He can do.
But to not miss the second point here, we too are called to be signs of God, to manifest and to reveal the presence of God to others. By obeying the will of God and carrying out His plans, God will work signs and wonders to inspire faith and give hope to the world, yes, even through us.
We don’t need to see spectacular miracles. We just need to be humble and obedient signs of God, and others will see how wonderful and marvelous God is.
God bless us, and all who live in simplicity of heart.