1st Sunday (Kothine-Pethurtha Sunday) 22nd Feb 09

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Reading: From the Gospel according to St. John 2: 1-11

Dear and Respected Brethren,

We all are aware that the theme of today's reading is the first miracle performed by our Lord during His blessed pubic mission. The Gospel certifies that Lord Jesus, His disciples and His blessed mother had been invited to the house where the wedding party took place. The first verse of today's reading starts, "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee…" It is better to think what had happened two days before the marriage at Cana. The audience of Nathaniel took place two days before the marriage and at the end of the audience, our Lord told him, "Hereafter you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." Indeed the marriage at Cana arranged the scene to watch the opening of heaven and to witness the divine presence of Angels of God to perform Lord's wish and instructions. Let us think about the following points.
1) Marriage.
a) When a marriage takes place in a family all relatives and friends of the family will be invited and the invitees used to reach the house of marriage in advance and stay together. This is a tradition since long and during such occasions we were able to re-establish the relation among the friends and relatives. The marriage houses were the places where relatives and friends were introduced to the youngsters. Unfortunately this noble tradition is misplaced among us. These days many of the invitees often do not care to attend the sacrament of Holy marriage in the Church. They all try to reach the hall where the party is arranged. So we lose the interaction and the introductions among ourselves.
b) The house at Cana was a well off one. Still there happened a shortage. We should not forget the fact that our wealth or holdings might not be enough for our needs. We need the gift of God to satisfy our needs. We must admit that what we have is the gift of God.
c) We also must make sure that our Lord and Savior, His blessed mother and Apostles are there in our houses always, especially when something special is taking place.
2) If mother of God is there, she will definitely take care of everything realizing what is there and what is not there. No body had informed St. Mary about the shortage of wine. She understood the situation and interceded her son. She said "no wine". What a great concern she has. We should not forget the truth that Mother of God is still beseeching to her son and our Lord God for all our needs.
3) The staunch faith of Mother of God is to be appreciated. Though Lord Jesus told her that His time has not come, she was hopeful and she had trust in His compassion. This is how we have to believe in His mercy and compassion. St. Mary did not utter a word further to our Lord. But she did not forget to advice the servants to do what is asked by her son to do.
4) When our Lord asked the servants to fill the water pots, they filled them up to the brim. This shows the fullness of their mind. Only such people could provide happiness to others. Suppose we are serving a glass of water to a thirsty. Some might not pour water fully into the tumbler.
5) This miracle made the Apostles to believe Lord God. How many miracles are taking place in our everyday lives? Could we believe in our Lord God? If we cannot believe in Him, it is a great pity. Let us repent well and correct ourselves at the earliest.
We are entering the great Lent of 50 days. Let us long for and pray for the transformation of our minds. Let us spend these days in real and genuine repentance. Let tears come from our eyes and let us submit them in front of our Lord God. Fasting and continuous prayers are unavoidable needs of the observation of the Lent. Let us try to fast as our parents and grand parents have done.
May God bless everyone.

Jose Kurian Puliyeril.