Daily Scripture, January 19, 2025
Scripture:
Isaiah 62:1-5
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
John 2:1-11
Reflection:
You have kept the good wine until now.
These are the words the headwaiter speaks to the bridegroom in today’s Gospel. While they were addressed on that day in history to the man who had gotten married, we can also understand them as being addressed to Jesus, the Bridegroom. They are words of surprise and confusion but also words of delight. Jesus has a way of evoking these responses in all who truly encounter Him. We come to Him filled with our own understanding and expectations. We have ideas about what we want Him to do or what He should do, and often, He defies those preconceived notions. He does something new. He does something confusing, challenging even. Yet, in the end, He does something better than we expected.
As St. Paul enumerates so eloquently in his first letter to the Corinthians, there are many gifts the Lord wants to give us in this life, but He gives them how and to whom He wills. We should be prepared to be surprised and even challenged by their appearance, but we should always be delighted.
Ultimately, there is one gift that Jesus wants to give to every one of His people, and this might be the biggest surprise of them all. As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride, He rejoices over us. God’s own joy… Is there any sweeter wine than that?
Megan Silas is a Lay Passionist at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston, Texas.
Scripture: Jude 17, 20b-25 Mark 11:27-33 Reflection: The message from the Letter of Jude is somewhat of a mystery. We know almost nothing about who wrote it, to whom it » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-13 Mark 11:11-26 Reflection: “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:18-25 Mark 10:32-45 Reflection: Once again I hear the challenge and love of Pope Francis, encouraging us to move from the center (where power dwells) to the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:10-16 Mark 10:28-31 Reflection: Leaving and Following Jesus Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Peter gives all of » Continue Reading.
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Scripture: Proverbs 8:22-31 Romans 5:1-5 John 16:12-15 Reflection: I have had many occasions to drive on the Schuykill Expressway through Philadelphia, PA. Almost always, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 5:13-20 Mark 10:13-16 Reflection: “Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.” Mark 10:16 Both readings and the responsorial psalm today are about » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 5: 9-12 Mark 10: 1-12 Reflection: Are you all in? Are you fully invested in following Jesus? That seems to be a continuing question being raised in the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 5:1-6 Mark 9:41-50 Reflection: O Lord, I trust in your merciful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord who has been » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 4:13-17 Mark 9:38-40 Reflection: Driving out demons. If any theme fascinates Hollywood – and often leaves us on the edge of our seats as we watch late night » Continue Reading.
Scripture: James 3:13-18 Mark 9:14-29 Reflection: This short periscope in the Gospel of Mark is immediately preceded by the Transfiguration of Jesus. This is one of the great events in » Continue Reading.