Good afternoon,
How many times have we heard the story in the gospel this week, of the Wedding Feast of Cana and the request of Jesus’ by his mother, Mary, to provide for more wine? There is much symbolism and subtlety in this story. There is, an initial reluctance from Jesus to perform any miracle; and it is only through Mary’s request that action comes. No question, from anyone else, just a do this and then, from Mary it is, ‘do whatever he tells you’. Through this gospel we recognise what John’s purpose is; Jesus is the bridegroom – the one representing God, Jesus wooing the people to come to this new win, a new covenant of the ‘spirit’. This wine as ‘spirit’ will be revealed when it is released into the world with Jesus on the Cross.
This story marks the beginning of Jesus’ ministry we see that Mary is there just as she will be at the ‘cross’ – the end of his ministry. Mary, is the one who calls forth and gives witness to Jesus message, of love and compassion. She, is our example of the ‘model disciple’. The example from this miracle story gives access to a ‘new covenant’; a covenant between God and his people – one of Spirit and one that is actioned through love.
As we return to our communities hopefully, rested and affirmed through our time with family and friends may we see that this New Year provides a door to walk through, with a change of heart and attitude. We can re-evaluate our sense of ‘family’ and seek ways where our gifts can work for good. We can be like Jesus in changing water into wine by the movement of heart – being about self to a being for others. Paul’s message to the Ephesians in the second reading gives a credible example of this – each of us has gifts and each is invited to share these, to enhance the live and spirit of others around us.
So, this New Year can be our start of ministry where we invite the spirit into us so that we can take it out to others. Thus, in a sense, we can be what Pope Francis is calling us to, in this Jubilee Year, – to be Pilgrims of Hope! We can always start and then, in faith, wait and allow God to bring it and us to completion.
Have a good weekend – God go with you
Warm regards and blessings,
Paul.
Scripture reflection: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 19 January 2025.
They have no wine
Almighty ever-living God, who govern all things, both in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the pleading of your people and bestow your peace on our times.
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading; Isaiah 62:1-5
Responsorial psalm: Ps 95(96):1-3, 7-10
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel: John 2:1-11
Link to readings – click here
After his Baptism, Jesus now starts his public ministry by giving us a first ‘sign’ of his transformative love. At the wedding feast of Cana, he changes water into wine at the suggestion of his mother. Here we see Mary already interceding for others. (Gospel)
The First Reading also uses the image of a wedding to show that the Lord rejoices in his people ‘as the bridegroom rejoices over his bride’. St Paul teaches the people of Corinth about the various gifts given to each one of them – and to each one of us – which can be used for the good of all in a variety of ways. These gifts all witness to the same Spirit, the same God. (Second Reading) The Psalm is a joyful song of praise that reflects the spirit of the other readings. It invites us to ‘Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples’. God will judge the people with fairness.
As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee Year, the joyful image of wedding festivities might inspire us to think of all who suffer from food poverty. We pray that each one of us might use our different gifts generously to help those in need, so that all have sustenance. In this way, may we appreciate the transforming love that God has for everyone.
We pray the Jubilee Prayer for ourselves and our world.
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen
Sacred Heart Church Greytown – renovated and owned by Jane and Wayne Gillingham (Jane is Paul and Christine Geoghegan’s eldest daughter) Paul & Christine have been committed to PFG’s for over 30 plus years. The night photos was taken on New Years Eve by Jane. Sacred heart church was sold in 2023 after being abandoned after being closed in 2020 – it was a community gathering spot in South Wairarapa for 120 years.
Jane and Wayne have invited community people and groups to avail themselves of its availability. The Reformed church has taken up the offer and offered to clean inside and attend to the garden etc outside. Weddings and private functions are available to hire and this is a way to pay rates etc. Such is their generosity.
National Coordinator’s Update:
Paul is working on trips to visit parishes firstly North Island and then South Island in February. He’ll be conducting a Formation session on the 22/23 February in Dunedin. Drawing up PP and parish contacts that need to be activated contacted before February 1 2025. As part of this Jubilee Year Paul will be offering to visit parishes to conduct a mini formation using two talks and discussion/sharing opportunities – one on ‘Belonging’ and the “On Being Church – Why community matters”. We could do this in regions and invite whoever wishes to join us. Please let Paul know if you would like a visit and/or Formation. We have two parishes who have made advances as to starting PFG’s this year both in Wellington area. Green shoots are still sprouting.
Reminder: 5 Aims and Goals
- share & celebrate life & faith
- support one another (especially in need)
- reaching out to & include others
- build community/extended family
- show and give example to children
Please remember in your thoughts and prayer:
- Please keep Paul Darbyshire in your prayer – he is into his second week of chemo next week. We remember Linda and the family.
- Please remember Jocelyn Bryant, Kev and family as she began chemo this week
- Robyn Burns (Hill;) – Robyn is awaiting confirmation of further surgery in the next three weeks
- Christine Geoghegan daughter Kate and extended families
- Pat Smith RIP and keep in prayer Maureen and family; Remember Rod Carson and remember Pat and family; Maureen and Graeme Matthews;; Adrian van de Pas and her son Robert ; Graeme Margaret Armstrong
- Jenny Epplett, Preston, Kate and family ;
- Please remember Paul Davenport and his wife Jill;
- Leanne Hintz daughter of Clair and Ray Hague;
- Terry Nelson’s family;. Brian and Eleanor McFlynn ; Bryan Davidson;
- Tim Bartell’s son Sam and family ; Richard and Sue Gibbs;
- Charlie and Maggi and their daughter and her partner in prayer.
- Keep in mind all those who are struggling with various aspects of mental health; Bob Buckley’s family; Keep people in Gaza and Israel in your prayer along with the people of the people of Ukraine: Keep in prayer the people of Sudan and Syria.
- Martin and Sally van der Wetering; Phil and Anne Drew;
- Please keep in your prayers those who continue to deal with the after effects of droughts on the horn of Africa. Also weather effects on other countries across the planet
- Please pray for Dot and Neill Wilson (Invercargill) – their son-in-law Mark married to Dot’s daughter Anita
- Keep in prayer the people of Los Angeles and outline areas of California..
- Your own intentions
Humour:
- “What did the vet say to the cat?” “How are you feline?”
- “What do you call a lazy baby kangaroo?” “A pouch potato!”
- “What happens when M&M’s can’t agree on anything?” “They reach an M-passe.”
- “What do you call a fake noodle?” “An impasta.”
- “What do you call a belt made of watches?” “A waist of time.”
- “What happens when a strawberry gets run over crossing the street?” “Traffic jam.”
- “What do you call two monkeys that share an Amazon account?” “Prime mates.”
- “What do you call a pony with a sore throat?” “A little hoarse.”
- “Where do math teachers go on vacation?” “Times Square.”
- “Whenever I try to eat healthy, a chocolate bar looks at me and Snickers.”
- “What does garlic do when it gets hot?” “It takes its cloves off.”
- “What’s a robot’s favourite snack?” “Computer chips.”
- “How much does it cost Santa to park his sleigh?” “Nothing, it’s on the house.”
- “Mountains aren’t just funny. They’re hill areas.”
- “What do clouds wear?” “Thunderwear.”