2025/01/19 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Delaney Paul, Director of Stewardship & Development
This Sunday’s readings remind us of God’s enduring love, His power to transform, and His invitation to share in His glory. Isaiah’s prophetic vision speaks of a God who refuses to be silent until His people are vindicated, shining with His light. The promise of a new name, “My Delight,” reflects a deep, intimate relationship between God and His people—a love as joyful as that of a bridegroom for his bride. This imagery speaks to the personal care God has for each of us. No matter how desolate or forsaken we may feel, God desires to renew us and make us His own. How incredible is that? A friend of mine recently read me this quote that perhaps you’ve heard before, “How cool is it that the same God who created mountains, oceans and galaxies, looked at you and thought the world needed one of you too!” Friends, God truly does delight in YOU!
This past week, I attended the Women’s Executive Series with speaker and founder of the Lydia Institute, Mary Maher. Her talk centered around identify and purpose, calling us all to evaluate who we are in God’s eyes. She reminded us that God repeatedly tells us in the Bible that He does indeed delight in us. It serves as a powerful reminder for us all to delight in Him too.
The Gospel builds on this message with the story of the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs His first public miracle. It is significant that His first sign takes place at a wedding—a celebration of union and love. The transformation of water into wine not only reveals Jesus’ divine power but also His concern for the ordinary aspects of our lives. Jesus doesn’t merely meet the need; He provides abundantly, turning the water into wine of the highest quality. This act is a sign of the transformative grace available to us when we trust in Him. If you have not yet seen The Chosen, this is one of my favorite scenes from the first season! Mary’s role at Cana is equally profound. Her instruction to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you,” serves as a timeless directive for all of us. How different the world might be if we all exemplified Mary more?
Her faith and intercession exemplify how we are called to respond in moments of need: with trust and obedience. When we surrender our challenges to Jesus, He works in ways that exceed our expectations. I resonated deeply with this when reflecting on the scriptures this week. Often, we get so caught up in our own worldly desires and timelines that we forget God’s timing is perfect in every. single. way.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians reminds us that the same Spirit who worked through Jesus at Cana is at work in us today. Each of us is uniquely gifted to contribute to God’s mission. Whether through wisdom, healing, or service, our gifts are meant to proclaim His marvelous deeds to all nations.
As we reflect on these readings, let us recognize the glory of God at work in our lives and respond with faith, gratitude, and willingness to share His love with others. May we, like the disciples at Cana, come to believe more deeply in His transformative power!