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: Acts 3:1-10 Luke 24:13-35 Reflection: The joy, power, and wonder of the Resurrection are in every sentence of our readings. Peter’s words to the cripple beggar "in the name » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 2:14, 22-33 Matthew 28:8-15 Reflection: Easter Monday (or Bright Monday, as our Orthodox sisters and brothers call it), continues the mystery of Jesus Risen, as we will celebrate » Continue Reading.
Holy Saturday Scripture: Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 Romans 6:3-11 Mark 16:1-7 Reflection: On this day, all is quiet. This day is broken by no liturgical function. Christ lies in » Continue Reading.
Holy Thursday Scripture: Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15 Reflection: Tonight we begin the three day feast of the Triduum that takes us to our roots and causes » Continue Reading.
Good Friday Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42 Reflection: Have you ever met a complainer? You know the type – a slight inconvenience becomes a major catastrophe and » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-9a Matthew 26:14-25 Reflection: Throughout his career and especially during Holy Week Jesus has keen insight into events (such as his betrayal in today’s Gospel). When people heard » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-6 John 13:21-33, 36-38 Reflection: The Evangelist, John, tells of the inner soul of Jesus at the Last Supper. "He loved his own in the world and loved » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-7 John 12:1-11 Reflection: During the first days of Holy Week, we are directed to the Book of Isaiah the Prophet and his meditations on the Suffering Servant » Continue Reading.
Palm (Passion) Sunday Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Mark 14:1-15:47 or 15:1-39 Reflection: Today the Church celebrates the Commemoration of the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem. We more frequently use the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:21-28 John 11:45-56 Reflection: They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, "What do you think? That he will not » Continue Reading.