How to Pray (for wine at a party)

The following is reprinted from my column in Catechist Magazine, with permission from Catechist.  It is a reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel reading.

 Sun., Jan. 17, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

John 2:1-11

The story of the miracle at the wedding at Cana continues the theme of revealing Jesus that began on the Epiphany and continued at Jesus’ baptism, where he was revealed as God’s beloved and anointed son. In this story, Jesus will be revealed to his disciples and others as one who works great signs.

This story from John’s Gospel also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the faith of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She impresses us with her concern for others, her attention to detail, and her unflinching faith. She is an example we can follow. In fact, she teaches us how to pray.

As we know, the hosts of the wedding celebration were running low on wine. Mary noticed this and wanted to help. So what did Mary do? She did not walk around wringing her hands and worrying. She did not grab her wallet and run to the market to “fix it” herself. Instead she immediately went to Jesus. 

We may be surprised or even amused by Jesus’ response. He doesn’t seem very interested. He even seems to rebuff Mary a bit. But what does Mary do? She doesn’t give up and assume he will not help. She does not lose faith in Jesus. Instead she trusts that he heard her and will respond. She tells the servants to be ready: “Do whatever he tells you.”

What is the result of Mary’s petition? Jesus responds with a miracle, of course. Jugs of water are turned into lots and lots of wine—really good wine! 

Like Mary, we should also walk right up to Jesus and tell him about our needs and concerns. They don’t have to be big things. After all, this whole story is about wine at a party! If Jesus does not seem to respond right away, we can be assured that it is not because he isn’t interested or doesn’t care. We can be patient and hopeful and trust in him like Mary did. And just as he did at Cana, when he does respond, he will respond with power. He will do lots and lots of really good things in our lives. 

Reprinted with permission from Catechist Magazine.  For subscription information visit catechist.com. 

How Nicholas Really Became Santa

In an effort to keep my 5 year old son informed about who Santa Claus really is, I asked him to watch a video my daughters enjoyed when they were his age:  Nicholas:  The Boy Who Became Santa.  Of course, this was his last choice behind Ninjago, Miles from Tomorrowland, and Peppa Pig.  But he did watch the video.  When he wandered into the kitchen after it ended, I asked, “So how did Nicholas become Santa?”  With a little shrug, Julian said, “He grew a beard.”

One might say that Julian had missed the entire point.  Or perhaps he summed it all up with a keen observation.  To grow a beard is to grow up.  Nicholas grew up.  He grew a beard.  He grew older.  It turned white.  And indeed, somewhere in this living, growing, and aging process, he became “Santa” – holy, a saint. 

So how did Nicholas become Santa?  He grew up.  Too simplistic?  Maybe. 

Whether you grow a beard this year, or maybe just a few new wrinkles, I’m sure you will all grow wiser and hopefully a little more “santa.”  I’m happy to be journeying and growing and, yes, aging with all of you.  Happy, joyous, prosperous and transformative New Year, friends!        

Merry Christmas

“No one has ever seen God.  It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known” (Jn. 1:18).

With a heart full of gratitude, I wish each of you and your families a very merry Christmas.

With prayers in this holy season,

Amy

The Right Gift for a Savior

The iconic image of wise men breaking open their treasure chests before the child Jesus is a powerful one (Mt. 2:11).  The magi travelled a great distance to bring gifts of wealth and luxury, gifts fit for a king.  This is how they paid him homage.

The beautiful story of the magi may lead us to ask what gifts we will bring Jesus.  What does he want from us? 

To understand what Jesus wants, we must first ask why he has come into our hearts and into our world.  The Gospels answer clearly:  “He will save his people” (Mt. 1:21).  This is not just a King but a Savior!  Can the gifts we bring acknowledge this even more magnificent mission? 

Yes, they can and they should.  We must bring him the things a Savior wants most – the things within us that need saving.  We need not travel from east to west but only deep within our own hearts, to bring out the things that lie hidden.  These are the gifts Jesus wants.  This is how we worship a Savior.

Lord Jesus, I lay before you the gold of my sins and weaknesses, the incense of my painful memories and relationships, and the myrrh of my fears and anxieties.  These do not seem like gifts fit for a King, and yet I know they are gifts worthy of a Savior.  I offer them to you from the treasure-chest of my heart, knowing that you can transform and redeem them.  I come to you open, empty and vulnerable; be a quiet, loving, saving presence in me.  Amen.