Discussion On the Gospel for Sunday, Jan. 14

[Fidelis]

Thanks for all the great participation in last week’s Scripture study! Here is a new study for this coming Sunday (January 14th).

Feel free to join in!

For Sunday, January 14, 2007
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time—Cycle C

*Opening prayer *

Isaiah 62:1-5 * (Psalm 96:1-3, 7-10)* 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 John 2:1-11

Overview of the Gospel:
· Jesus, his Mother and some of his disciples are invited to a wedding in Cana, a small village 4-5 miles from Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. The time is right after his baptism (which we celebrated last week), but before he begins his public ministry. Wedding feasts at the time could last more than a week (Judges 14:10-12).
· Mary (who is never mentioned by name in John’s Gospel) brings it to Jesus’ attention that the wine has run out—a situation that would be an immense source of embarrassment for the newlywed couple and their families.
· Jesus addresses Mary with the term “Woman,” here the beginning of his ministry, and at the end when he is hanging on the Cross (John 9:25-27). Far from a term of disrespect, it is a respectful form of address. It also recalls how God addressed Eve in Genesis 3:15 and the apocalyptic figure in Revelation, chapter 12.
· Even though Mary does not specifically make a request for Jesus to intervene, he knows what she is asking. He also knows that performing this miracle in public will make it necessary for him to begin his ministry and his journey toward the Cross.

Questions:
· Jesus is not yet known as a miracle worker, so why does Mary approach him at this time (v. 3)? What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with his Mother from this story?
· How does Jesus’ use of the word “woman” (v. 3) point to a parallel between Eve and Mary (Gen. 3:15; John 19:26-27; Rev. 12:1-6, 13-14)? Should it be seen as a sign of disrespect—or a sign of honor and election?
· What associations might be attached to the headwaiters expression “the good wine” in verse 10 (Is. 25:6; Amos 9:13; John 6:53; 1 Cor. 10:16; Rev. 19:7-9)?
· This “sign” (v. 11) is the first of seven that will highlighted in John’s Gospel (see Introduction to John in the NAB). What “sign” led you (or is leading you) to put your faith in Jesus?
· How unconditionally do you do whatever Jesus tells you to do (v. 5)? Do you ever try to place limits on what he can tell you to do?

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 486, 495, 969, 1335, 1613, 2618

Closing prayer

When our hands have touched spices, they give fragrance to all they handle. Let us make our prayers pass through the hands of the Blessed Virgin. She will make them fragrant. -St. John Vianney

Remember to read and meditate on the daily Mass readings found in the bulletin!

 

[Fidelis]

After you’ve read the Scripture passage (John 2:1-11):

usccb.org/nab/bible/john/john2.htm

and the Overview, here is the first question:

Jesus is not yet known as a miracle worker, so why does Mary approach him at this time (v. 3)? What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with his Mother from this story?

 

[HailMary]

In Jewish tradition, marriages lasted 7 days (and this makes sense since to make a COVENANT with someone, in Hebrew, the word, literally, is you seven-yourself, not to mention that 7 is the number of the covenant).

On the 7th day, the bridegroom would enter into this tent where the woman would be vieled. The bridgegroom will UNVIEL (in Greek the word Revelation means the unvieling) her and connsumate the marriage. This being said, let us examine the mystery of the Wedding at Cana.

John 1:29:

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

• the next day would imply the 2nd day since there is no mention before

John 1:35:

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples

• the next day from the 2nd or the 3rd day

John 1:43:

The next day he decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”

• the 4th day

Ever wonder what St. John was hinting at with the counting of days? Most people don’t even realize the “next day” thing and just ignore it altogether.

John 2:1:

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

• the third day from when? the 4th day which means that is the 7th day.

Now, you can see, the Sacred writer mentions the Blessed Virgin first ( this makes Protestants cringe). Note that the text does not say, Mary was invited to the wedding but rather, “the Mother of Jesus was there” implying that she was waiting, just as the bride would be waiting in the tent on the 7th day of the wedding feast. Then the text continues and says Jesus has arrived with his diciples (keep in mind that the only two people who we can identify specifically are Jesus and Mary - the title “disciples” doesn’t necessary include any of the 12).

The point of this story is not so much about the actual wedding of some couple, since, in reality, the wedding is for Jesus and Mary. Marital language, biblically (see Ephesians 5), is probably the strongest language that tries to describe the reality of the union of things. In this instance, the mystery of Cana is showing us, that on a spiritual level, Jesus and Mary are ever so closely united. In fact, we can say that Mary is no more, since it is Jesus that lives in her.

God Bless

 

[MariaG]

After you’ve read the Scripture passage (John 2:1-11):

usccb.org/nab/bible/john/john2.htm

and the Overview, here is the first question:

Just marking the thread until later after I have studied a little more

 

[Fidelis]

In Jewish tradition, marriages lasted 7 days (and this makes sense since to make a COVENANT with someone, in Hebrew, the word, literally, is you seven-yourself, not to mention that 7 is the number of the covenant).

On the 7th day, the bridegroom would enter into this tent where the woman would be vieled. The bridgegroom will UNVIEL (in Greek the word Revelation means the unvieling) her and connsumate the marriage. This being said, let us examine the mystery of the Wedding at Cana…

Thank you for the additional background information, HailMary. One thing I always like to stress is that the background is important for us when reading a Scripture passage since we will benefit more from reading the passage if we know a little of what the original readers would take for granted.

 

[Fidelis]

Getting back to the first question:
**Jesus is not yet known as a miracle worker, so why does Mary approach him at this time (v. 3)? What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with his Mother from this story? ***Excepting *the magnificent prologue to John’s gospel (John 1:1-5, 9-14, 18), what do Jesus’ disciples know about him at this point from John the Baptist and Jesus’ private life up to this time?

usccb.org/nab/bible/john/john1.htm

What might be their expectation of him at this point?

 

[HailMary]

Jesus addresses Mary with the term “Woman,” here the beginning of his ministry, and at the end when he is hanging on the Cross (John 9:25-27). Far from a term of disrespect, it is a respectful form of address. It also recalls how God addressed Eve in Genesis 3:15 and the apocalyptic figure in Revelation, chapter 12.

Questions:

· How does Jesus’ use of the word “woman” (v. 3) point to a parallel between Eve and Mary (Gen. 3:15; John 19:26-27; Rev. 12:1-6, 13-14)? Should it be seen as a sign of disrespect—or a sign of honor and election?

People also say that Jesus was repremanding His Mother when he said, “What have you to do with me?”, but what they fail to see is that this is actually a Hebraism, which basically means, “whatever you tell me, I will do”.

This is evident in other places, for example

Mark 5:7:

crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!”

No Protestant, would ever say that the demon is trying to dispresect Jesus since the demon knows that whatever Jesus says, he must do because the demon is right in recognizing that Jesus is the “Son of the Most High God” (ironically, many protestants will say that is the only thing required to be “saved” but forget to consider this demon). Likewise, the same language is used when Jesus speaks with His Mother because He cannot deny His Mother anything for He is under obligation to her for His Adorable Humanity.

This is the power of the Blessed Virgins intercession. Recommend yourself to her!

 

[Pug]

Getting back to the first question:
Jesus is not yet known as a miracle worker, so why does Mary approach him at this time (v. 3)? What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with his Mother from this story?

Perhaps we are seeing something as simple as the exemplar of how to live our own lives. Mary sees a problem and her simple response is to turn to the Lord and tell him the problem. “They have no wine.” Maybe she expects a miracle, but perhaps only it is her confidence in him, and that is all she has. He will provide. Perhaps partly it is a widow’s confidence in her son, who has cared for her in recent years. There is a problem, and he will deal with it.

That she makes the problems of others to be her own is also telling of her inner self, and perhaps if we connect that with the scene at the foot of the cross, it makes more sense how all Christians can look to her as our mother, who will even be concerned about the arrangements at our weddings, taking the cares immediately to her son.

That he informs her about “his hour” tells me that he didn’t keep everything a secret from her. Also, her complete confidence in him is well demonstrated by her words, “do whatever he tells you”. She is eminently confident of his help and walks away from the situation at that point, leaving the servants to execute. Also, those same words of hers are spoken to us today. Let us, “Do whatever he tells you.”

 

[Fidelis]

Jesus is not yet known as a miracle worker, so why does Mary approach him at this time (v. 3)? What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with his Mother from this story?

That he informs her about “his hour” tells me that he didn’t keep everything a secret from her. Also, her complete confidence in him is well demonstrated by her words, “do whatever he tells you”. She is eminently confident of his help and walks away from the situation at that point, leaving the servants to execute. Also, those same words of hers are spoken to us today. Let us, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Great insights Pug! I have honestly really never thought about this: the fact that in Jesus’ reply to Mary refering to “his hour,” Mary’s non-puzzlement and apparent familiarity with this “hour” leads one to believe that she knew more about his mission than she is often given credit for!

This brings up the question: What is Jesus talking about when he refers to his “hour”?

 

[dessert]

Jesus is not yet known as a miracle worker, so why does Mary approach him at this time (v. 3)? What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with his Mother from this story?
Great insights Pug! I have honestly really never thought about this: the fact that in Jesus’ reply to Mary refering to “his hour,” Mary’s non-puzzlement and apparent familiarity with this “hour” leads one to believe that she knew more about his mission than she is often given credit for!

This brings up the question: What is Jesus talking about when he refers to his “hour”?

I think he is actually talking about the moment as it can also mean the right moment in time . dessert

 

[Eileen_T]

Isn’t it comforting that Mary was concerned about the potential embarrassment of the bridal couple and their families. We might think it a small thing for her to be so concerned about that she goes to Jesus for assistance, even though she knows it is not time for Him to act publically.

She cares about us, even in the everyday trivia of our lives. I mean, it’s not as if she asked Him to raise someone from the dead!

I also think that this first public miracle so long ago has a special meaning for us in this day and age. It was worked at the celebration of a marriage. One man and one woman joined together by God until death parts them.

 

[NotWorthy]

Jesus is not yet known as a miracle worker, so why does Mary approach him at this time (v. 3)? What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with his Mother from this story?

It’s ironic that even though Jesus is God, the Alpha and the Omega, He still feels it’s important to give due honor to His human mother.

It reminds me of a comic strip of Superman as a kid. His mother tells him, “I don’t care if you are stronger than a locomotive, you’re still cleaning your room before you go out and save the world, young man!”

 

[NotWorthy]

*Excepting *the magnificent prologue to John’s gospel (John 1:1-5, 9-14, 18), what do Jesus’ disciples know about him at this point from John the Baptist and Jesus’ private life up to this time?

What might be their expectation of him at this point?

They knew that Jesus was going to be a great man, for John had really built his fame up, but I don’t think they had a clue what they were in for at this time!!!

 

[Maranatha]

The first reading established the prophetic union of Christ to his Church. “As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you” It established the role of Christ as the bridegroom and the Church as the innocent bride. The gender roles are established.

The second reading states that different people have different gifts to be used in service for one Lord. “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God.” Not everyone can fill every role in the Church. The priesthood is restricted to a select few but there are roles for everyone.

The Gospel shows Jesus being obedient to his mother’s request even though he says, “My hour has not yet come.” He fulfills his role obediently.

In life and the Church we have roles some of which we asked for and some of which we were born in to.

 

[Nita]

Jesus is not yet known as a miracle worker, so why does Mary approach him at this time (v. 3)? What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with his Mother from this story?

Mary was so in tune with God’s will that I wonder if she didn’t receive a prompting from “her spouse”, the Holy Spirit, to mention the situation to Jesus.

That he informs her about “his hour” tells me that he didn’t keep everything a secret from her. Also, her complete confidence in him is well demonstrated by her words, “do whatever he tells you”. She is eminently confident of his help and walks away from the situation at that point, leaving the servants to execute. Also, those same words of hers are spoken to us today. Let us, “Do whatever he tells you.”

At Cana, to provide drink for the marriage feast, Jesus changes water into wine - a miracle of transubstantiation. This miracle is the His first - the initial one of His public ministry.

“His hour” usually refers to Our Lord’s passion and death. It is at the Last Supper when Our Lord announces His hour has come. (Luke 22:14; John 12:23, 27) There, He changes wine into His blood - a miracle of transubstantiation. It is the drink of the “marriage supper* *of the Lamb”/the heavenly banquet/the Mass.

To my recollection, these are the only two miracles of transubstantiation that Jesus performed. Does a miracle of transubstantiation to provide wine for guests at a marriage banquet immediately bring to Our Lord’s mind the culminating acts of His mission on earth? “My hour has not yet come.”

Nita

 

[LSK]

One of the most wonderful moments of my life was visiting, last supper, the traditional site in the Holy Land of the Wedding Feast at Cana. We read this Gospel and I was struck, at that time, of the utter confidence Our Lady showed in God. I believe that it is in response to the confidence of the perfect Christian that Our Lord performs this miracle, granting the request. It is an example of how to approach Him, with confidence but with humility, recognizing that God will do what is best for us no matter what we ask.

 

[Fidelis]

Great comments, everyone. This Gospel passage is so full, we have just begun to mine it’s depths.

To my recollection, these are the only two miracles of transubstantiation that Jesus performed. Does a miracle of transubstantiation to provide wine for guests at a marriage banquet immediately bring to Our Lord’s mind the culminating acts of His mission on earth? “My hour has not yet come.”

Technically, Jesus’ miracle at Cana was a *transformation *of water into wine, rather than transubstantiation. We can see that when the waiters checked the containers that had previously contained the water, what they drew out apparently looked and tasted like wine. In transubstantiation, on the other hand, while the substance of the wine and bread have been changed to the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord, the appearance remains the same. A much greater miracle, in every way!

You guys are doing great – Keep it coming!

Jesus is not yet known as a miracle worker, so why does Mary approach him at this time (v. 3)? What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with his Mother from this story?

 

[jacobaer]

John’s Gospel was written later in the first century, probably in the 90’s A.D., while the Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke were all written by the time Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome in the mid-60’s. (As was the Book of Acts.)

The differences between John’s Gospel and the Synoptics makes me think that John, the aged and sole remaining Apostle, was looking at the Church and the problems that had crept in, and he was trying to correct some of these problems in his Gospel. It has a nice pastoral touch.

So what is he trying to teachi us in Sunday’s reading? He was the caretaker for our Blessed Mother up to her dormition. I would think he knew her well. I believe that he was laying the foundation for what we believe about our Mother today. Most important of all, it is her intercession fthat John displays here.

Our prayers for one another are effective. The prayers of the saints in heaven are way effective. Mary is the chiefest of the saints in heaven so her intercession, as we are taught here, is of great help to us here on heaven. I think John knew this, or at least, the Holy Spirit definitely knew this and inspired John to put this scene from Christ’s life in his Gospel.

We are not saved alone. We are saved in community and we help one another by our prayers (as we are also helped by our sufferings and good works).

I am rambling too much so I’ll stop here.

Peace,
Jacobaer

 

[MariaG]

Jesus is not yet known as a miracle worker, so why does Mary approach him at this time (v. 3)? What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with his Mother from this story?

I learn that one of the ways that Christ chooses to “Honor His mother” is through “fixing” things that she has brought to His attention.

If Mary thinks it is important enough to bring to her Son’s attention, He chooses to honor her by looking into the matter.

For me, coming from the Protestant Churches, understanding how Christ wishes to honor His mother was key to understanding Mary’s role in the Church. It pleases God to grant our prayer requests offered up through Mary, because in doing so, it allows Christ to “Honor His mother”.

 

[Nita]

Technically, Jesus’ miracle at Cana was a *transformation *of water into wine, rather than transubstantiation. We can see that when the waiters checked the containers that had previously contained the water, what they drew out apparently looked and tasted like wine. In transubstantiation, on the other hand, while the substance of the wine and bread have been changed to the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord, the appearance remains the same. A much greater miracle, in every way!

Thank you for correcting my misunderstanding.

Nita