Reflection for the 2nd week in Ordinary Time, 2025

Isaiah 62:f1-5; Psalm 96; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John 2:1-11

 

For Zion’s sake I will not be silent

Are you aware of your gifts? St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the variety of spiritual gifts and forms of service in using them (1 Cor. 12). Whether we have been given many or few gifts, we have to answer for how we develop His gifts. One of the greatest gifts that many of us have is the use of our words in speech or song. Today’s readings speak much about this precious gift.

Through Isaiah, God proclaims exuberant praise of his “bride” Jerusalem. This chosen city is a symbol of God’s beloved people. Listen to some words of praise and support: “For Zion’s sake I will not be silent” and “You shall be called “My Delight” (Is 62). God’s love for us is passionate. It impulsively overflows. He vocally defends whom he loves – you and me.

Like Our God, we should freely praise those whom we love and let them know of our appreciation. Our gratitude to the Lord should also be exuberant, as Psalm 96 directs: “Sing to the Lord a new song” and “Give to the Lord glory and praise”.

Mary, the Cause of our Joy, speaks joyfully about what God has done for her in the Magnificat. She also teaches us in just a few words about what is the most important task we could talk about: “Do whatever He tells you (Jn 2).” Her one line directs us to listen to that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. He tells us how to change the water in the “jars” of our souls into precious wine, as Jesus did at Mary’s request once in Cana. The conversations in this story were short, but powerful.

Mary took the initiative. She defended the honor of the wedding couple. We, too, will likely have opportunities to speak out, stand by and support someone instead of being just a bystander. It takes courage to speak out and that is a powerful gift of our Confirmation. This wine of our love can then be poured out to others, and the music of charity will continue.

Our Eucharistic Lord waits for us and silently pours out a song of love in the tabernacle. He speaks to our hearts during visits to Him in the Blessed Sacrament or in times of adoration. Our responses, the courage we need to speak out, all flow from our attentive listening and the strength we receive from Him.

My voice in speech and song, my silences, and my face–which speaks for me whether I like it or not–can convey messages of love and concern and of sympathetic understanding. When I feel empty of the goodwill that I want to “speak”, I don’t hesitate to ask the hearts of Jesus and Mary to fill my heart, or even to exchange hearts with them!

Friends, let us pray for each other. May we follow Mary’s guidance, hear her Son, and develop, according to God’s will, those gifts which the Lord has apportioned to each of us.

May your voice and life be a continual song of praise to the Lord!

“Do whatever he tells you.”

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“With Mary, our lives continually proclaim the greatness of the Lord and the joy experienced in rendering service to Him.”

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