DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU

In John's Gospel yesterday we heard about Jesus' first miracle at a wedding in Cana.  Jesus' mother said, "They have no wine."  He replied that this was no concern of theirs, nor that his hour had not yet come.  But Mary said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you."  Jesus then gives the servers directions to fill the jars with water, draw some out, and take it to the headwaiter.  The headwaiter tasted the water that had now become wine and found it to be better wine than what was served earlier.
In other passages of Jesus' miracles there are usually words spoken by Jesus, or an action, or a recognition of faith.  However, in this miracle Jesus says no words over the water, nor does he do anything to the water to cause it to change into wine.  All Jesus does is give directions and the actions of the obedient servers is the means of the water transforming into wine.
Webster's Dictionary defines transformation as, "a change in form or appearance" or "change in condition, character, or function of.  Like the servers in the gospel who listened and were obedient to the directions Jesus gave them, so also we must listen and follow what he tells us to do.  How do we do that?  We can spend time in prayer and reflection.  By praying with scripture, and listening to what Christ is telling us we will be transformed into all that he knows we can be and all that he desires for us.  Sitting still in quiet in the presence of Christ we are transformed as we grow in relationship with him.  As we grow in relationship with Christ we will be attuned to what he wants us to do.  Also, by working and serving those in need, we can help transform lives and we can transform systems that oppress others.
Perhaps there are situations in your life or something in yourself that needs to be transformed.  It could be your lifestyle, your workplace, or your relationship with family or friends.  Whatever way you may be called to transformation, be still, listen, and do whatever he tells you.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.  The account of Jesus' baptism appears in all four gospels.  Baptizing with water was a common practice at that time.  However, the difference is that while John baptizes with water, Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.  Jesus' baptism was like everyone else's until the Holy Spirit came upon him.  His baptism would mark the beginning of a new period in his life.  No longer would he work in the carpenter shop.  Declared by the Holy Spirit as God's beloved Son, Jesus sets out on a new mission. 
I like the fact that this gospel comes near the beginning of a new year.  It helps us to reflect, not only on the past year, but to look forward to new beginnings.  We have all had new beginnings in our lives.  For some it may just be resolutions to begin breaking a bad habit, eating healthier, exercising more, or getting more sleep.  We may have experienced beginnings of being a high school or college student; the beginning of a new career; the beginning of a marriage or religious life.  Perhaps a new beginning has occurred on a retreat, or from a time of true discernment and you were set on fire with a new insight or inspiration.

New beginnings can also happen in times of pain; a person who becomes paralyzed begins to learn how he/she can still live a full life; a widow who now begins to live life without a partner; a child who begins to find how to live after losing a parent; and for those in Newtown, Connecticut, how to begin life without their children.

At our baptism we too were declared sons and daughters of God.  Our new life in Christ began.  As we matured we may have had many ways to begin again at various times in our lives.  Whatever our new beginnings will be in the future as beloved sons and daughters of God, we will always have the grace we need to more forward.

PRAYER FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

January 11, 2013 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Please pray the following prayer.

Liberator God,
You came to set us free from all forms of slavery

And to heal us into freedom.

Let us remember those who have suffered from slavery

And the millions who still suffer as slaves.

We pray especially for all your children who have

Suffered the injustice of slavery.

God, you have created human beings with dignity and

We know that slavery is a horrible injustice.

Empower us, who are not enslaved,

To fight for the rights of those who are.

Help us to pray and empower us in action

To free your enslaved children.

Liberator God, hear us, help us,

And set your children free through us.

Amen

                                                                                              (Adapted from Education for Justice)

FOLLOWING THE STAR

Have you followed any stars lately?  One of the delightful parts of the Nativity narratives is the visit of the Magis or Kings.  As the gospel tells us, these three men followed a star to the find the place where the newborn babe was lying in a manger.

As I listened and reflected on following stars it became clear to me that the star we are to follow is in our hearts.  The star is our deepest desires.  For some the deepest desire is fame and fortune.  For others it may be to sing or act on stage.  For others there is a desire to serve and to love God and know God more fully.  

Stars light up the sky so beautifully.  How appropriate it is that the Magi followed the light of a star to find the Light of the World.  The star in our heart is Christ who lights our way.  When we are in tune with the star in our heart, we can then bring the light of Christ to others.  Isn't that what we are called to do anyway?  

May we who bear the star in our hearts continue to light the way and bring others into the light of Christ.