Daily Reflection | Gospel Reading | RVA

THE WORD

1 Jn 5,14-21 / Jn 2.1-1 1

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' And Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers 'Do whatever he tells you.' Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each could hold twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now."

Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

IN OTHER WORDS

Oftentimes I use this picture of Mother and Son, Mary and Jesus, and the dialogue between them, to answer questions of my non-Catholic students: "Why do you pray to Mary? Why do you have Mary at your altar?"
"Son, they have no more wine."
"My hour has not yet come."
"Do whatever he tells you."

Try to feel the deep connection between Mary and Jesus in this brief dialogue: few words but powerful; no persuasion, just faith; no arguments, only understanding of the situation at hand.

Mary's open heart saw the need right there at the celebration. She felt for the family, for the new couple who might be criticized for lack of wine, and end the celebration with dissatisfaction. Without being requested, she extended assistance, through Jesus. Before other guests would discover the "no more wine" or "no more drinks" situation, here came Mary's big heart wanting to save the situation, save the newlyweds from shame, through Jesus. Jesus felt the urgency of Mary's call to save that very moment. As Mary and Jesus enjoyed the wedding party, they did their mission.

In everyday life, this saving mission of Mary through Jesus continues - comforting us in our insecurities and fears, saving us from harm or danger when we call on Mary's protection from trouble with others, from evil, destruction, or death. Indeed theirs is a faith-filled relationship that gives life - one that brings out the best, one that saves.

Jesus' Yes to save the newly wedded couple brought about super abundant blessings - the best of all wine! When we give our best selves for others, we experience joy and fulfillment "to the brim". Graces overflow in us beyond our understanding, sustaining us in our day-to-day life.

• Sister Tessa D. Artita, SSpS (Tarlac City)

The Word in other words 2017

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2016 Society of the Divine Word

 

THE WORD

1 Jn 3,11-21 / Jn 1,43-51

And this is what John proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water. he will baptize you with the holy Spirit."

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

IN OTHER WORDS

Our baptism is fundamental to our lives as Christians. Henri Nouwen wrote: "I very much believe that the core moment of Jesus' public life was the baptism in the Jordan, when Jesus heard the affirmation, 'You are my beloved on whom my favor rests.' ... He is reminded in a deep, deep way of who he is." In the face of temptations and rejections, Jesus insists, "Others will leave me alone, but my Father will not leave me alone. I am the beloved son of God. I am the hope found in that identity." So it is for us also.

Edmund Campion, an English Catholic martyr during the Protestant reformation, found in the seminary what was meant by the life of the baptized: "The faith of the people among whom he was now placed . . . was what gave them daily life, their entire love and hope, for which they had abandoned all smaller loyalties and affections; all that most men found desirable, home, possessions, good fame, increase, security in the world, children to keep fresh their memory after they were dead."

The Christian Community Bible notes three complementary aspects of Christian baptism, which are first seen in Jesus himself: "water, the symbol of cleanliness and new life, blood, the sacrifice, the painful atonement of sin, the blood of martyrs, and Spirit, the uncontrollable power that animates Christ's witnesses: the amazing creativity of the people and institutions that are rooted in faith."

Like Father Campion, we are also the beloved of God. Our hope and our identity are clear. God will not leave us alone. Our baptism is basic to us, and these three complementary aspects, should at least be evident in our lives.

• Fr. Alan Meechan, SVD (Melgar, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro)

The Word in other words 2017

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2016 Society of the Divine Word

 

THE WORD

1 Jn 3,11-21 / Jn 1,43-51

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee, he found Philip. And Jesus said, 'Follow me.' Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the Law, and also the Prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.' But Nathanael said to him, 'Can anything good come from Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see,' Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and he said of him, 'Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.' Nathanael said to him, 'How do you know me? Jesus answered and said to him, 'Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.' Nathanael answered him, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.' Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.' And he said to him, 'Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. "'

IN OTHER WORDS

Meeting a kababayan in Vienna, Austria, I was asked: "Filipino?" "Opo, Sir," I replied. "Taga saan ka sa atin? " (From where are you in the Philippines?) I said, "From Cabanatuan." Aware that he looked perplexed and seemed to have no idea where to locate the place exactly in the Philippines, I helped him saying: "That's the name of the village where my mother comes from. It is located in the town of San Fernando in the island of Cebu." "Ah, probinsiyano at taga barrio ka pala!" (Ah, so you are a country boy). He said so with a tone and gesture of arrogance on his face.

"Opo, tama po kayo, Sir," I replied (Yes, sir, you're right.)

"From Nazareth?" said Nathanael after being told of Jesus' place of origin. And this Jesus was supposed to be the one foretold by Moses and the Prophets to be the promised Messiah, the Savior of Israel? Showing his disgust more precisely, he said, "Can anything good come from that place?"' I don't know how anybody would feel and react upon hearing such derogatory remarks. Jesus reacted sovereignly. He found positive things to say about Nathaniel and called him a true Israelite, "incapable of deceit." Later, he even promised him greater things.

Christianity is about God in Jesus calling us to his fellowship. He needs helpers among us to spread his message of love and mercy to all. It's not important if we have doubts and reservations of feeling being unworthy to be called to serve. Jesus calls the shots We only have to reply positively to his invitation. Nathaniel had massive doubts, but he followed Jesus. And Jesus showed him more than he could ever imagine.

• Fr. Roberto C. Alda, Jr. SVD (Goch am Niederrhein, Germany)

The Word in other words 2017

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2016 Society of the Divine Word

 

THE WORD

1 Jn 3,7-10 / Jn 1,35-42

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them," Come, and you will see." so they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas" which is translated Peter.

IN OTHER WORDS

What do John and Andrew in the Gospel have in common? They both love to be "curtain raisers;" they like their position as "second-stringers." In orchestra they are the violas, string instruments bigger than violins, whose role is to play background to the violins. John points to Jesus and exclaims: "Behold, the Lamb of God!" Andrew brings people, like his brother Simon to Jesus and fades away to the background. These two do not point their fingers to themselves but to Jesus. "There is your Messiah, we are not the ones. Go to him."

Would that we have the attitude of these two followers of Jesus. Would that we live, following the almost funny guiding rule: "There is only one God, and we are not the ones!"

When Simon was introduced to Jesus by Andrew, the latter moved back to the background and watched with pride how his brother seemed to have captured the attention of Jesus. What Jesus said to Peter tells us about Jesus. With him we are not only who we are but what we could be, if we allow ourselves to be led and transformed by Jesus.

• Fr. Atilano Corcuera, svD (Dws, Tagaytay City)

The Word in other words 2017

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
	Published by : Logos Publications, Inc. 1916 Oroquieta St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
	Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Telephone : +63 2 711 1323
	Fax : +63 2 732 273
	Copyright © 2016 Society of the Divine Word