Ordinary Time, 2nd Sunday (Year C)

Jesus works his first miracle — at a wedding feast, of all places. Marriage goes right back to the Garden of Eden. Through Marriage, human beings cooperate in creating life. God wants to rescue marriage from the corruption of sin. Enter the virtue of Chastity. Chastity treats yourself — and every other person — as a priceless gift of God. If you’re not married, assume there’s never consent. If you are married, treat your spouse like a human being. Brothers, fellow men, you are the ones who have the job to protect these boundaries. Protect your future spouse, your future family, your gift of love. Chastity is like a banana peel. It protects the gift inside. When you marry, the chastity you have been living protects you both.

This is the first wine, the wine of natural marriage. Jesus gives us a new wine which is the Sacrament of Matrimony. A husband and wife are like icons: they reveal the love of God. God loves us so much, He desires union with us. Marriage foreshadows the union of Heaven. So does the Mass, which allows us to become one flesh with Almighty God. Open your heart to receive the God who loves you.

(17 Jan 2016)

Point to Ponder: From whom did you learn about the true meaning of love?

Point to Discuss: If you are married, talk to your spouse about the idea of being an icon of the Trinity. Is your union with each other helping you grow closer to God? If you are not married, talk to Jesus about his love for you. Is your union with Jesus helping you grow closer to others?