JAN 19, 2025

2nd Sunday of Year C

SOURCE: Catholic Resources by Rev. Felix Just, S.J.

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FEATURED12 STEPSCATHOLICISMCONFLICTCULTUREFILM AND TVJUSTICEPRO-LIFESTEWARDSHIPTHEOLOGY OF BODYVOCATIONS
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Family explains how important it is to lean into his faith during a time such as this and what advice he would give to anyone else who may be struggling with feelings of despair after these fires. Video fills us in on how the family is handling the next steps to try and recover from this.

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Where
is God?

How Can a Loving and All-Powerful God Allow Such Tragedy to Occur?

SECOND READING
CONNECTION

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 highlights the importance of unity within diversity and the value of individual gifts within the larger community. This passage takes on a significant meaning in the context of the devastating fires in Los Angeles, as it emphasizes the need for collaboration and support in times of crisis.

The passage begins by stating, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.” This idea of unity within diversity can be applied to the community of Los Angeles as they face the aftermath of the fires. Just as the body of Christ is composed of various parts, each with its unique function, so too is the community comprised of individuals with diverse talents, abilities, and resources.

Each person has a role to play in the process of rebuilding and healing after the fires. Some may provide physical labor, others may offer emotional support, while still, others may contribute financial assistance. Paul emphasizes that “to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good,” reminding us that every contribution, big or small, is valuable and necessary for the greater good of the community.

In verse 12, Paul highlights the interconnectedness of the body: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” This analogy encourages the people of Los Angeles to recognize their shared humanity and rely on one another during this challenging time. By working together and utilizing their individual gifts, they can collectively overcome the obstacles they face and rebuild a stronger, more resilient community.

GOSPEL
CONNECTION

John 2:1-11, the story of the Wedding at Cana, offers a powerful message of transformation and hope in the face of adversity, such as the devastating fires in Los Angeles.

In the passage, we see that a problem arises when the wine runs out at a wedding celebration. This dilemma mirrors the feelings of loss and hopelessness that the people of Los Angeles may experience as they return to their neighborhoods to find nothing but ashes. Just as the wedding guests were faced with an unexpected challenge, so too are the survivors of the fires confronted with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.

In response to the crisis, Jesus performs his first miracle, turning water into wine. This act not only demonstrates Jesus’ power and compassion but also serves as a symbol of hope and transformation. In the same way that Jesus transformed ordinary water into fine wine, so too can the people of Los Angeles transform their grief and loss into resilience and determination.

Moreover, the role of Mary in this story is significant. Her intercession on behalf of the wedding couple mirrors the prayers and support offered by the broader community to those affected by the fires.

Mary’s unwavering faith in her son and his ability to help can inspire the people of Los Angeles to place their trust in God and the strength of their community. Just as Mary’s intercession led to a miraculous outcome, so too can the prayers and support of the community bring about healing and renewal.

Finally, the transformation of water into wine serves as a reminder that God’s love and power can turn even the most hopeless situations into something beautiful and meaningful. As the people of Los Angeles embark on the journey of rebuilding their lives, they can find comfort in the knowledge that God is with them, guiding them through the darkness and toward a brighter future.

2nd Sunday of Year C

2nd Sunday of Year C

JUSTICE

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ADDICTION AND
RECOVERY

1—Admission of Powerlessness

2—Recognition of a Higher Power

3—Decision to Turn Life Over to a Higher Power

4—Taking a Moral Inventory

5—Admission of Wrongdoings

6—Willingness to Remove Character Defects

7—Asking for Spiritual Help

8—List of Amends

9—Compensation for Past Harms

10—Continuing Inventory and Admissions

11—Seeking Prayer and Meditation

12—Carry the Message Forward

2nd Sunday of Year C

SUNDAY‘S READINGS

The content below has been generated by THE WORD THIS WEEK Catholic Assistant, employing advanced AI technology.

relate each of the 12 steps to either xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness and Unmanageability

  • Isaiah 62:5: This step involves acknowledging one’s limitations and dependence on a higher power. The verse speaks of God’s delight in His people, symbolizing His unwavering love and acceptance, even in our weakness.

Step 2: Believing in a Higher Power for Restoration

  • 1 Corinthians 12:6: This step emphasizes faith in a divine presence that transcends human understanding. The verse highlights the same God working through diverse gifts and roles, reflecting a unifying power beyond individual differences.

Step 3: Making a Decision to Turn to a Higher Power

  • Isaiah 62:1: The decision to seek guidance from a higher power aligns with the nation’s hopeful expectation of deliverance in this verse. It represents a turning point, acknowledging the need for divine intervention.

Step 4: Taking a Moral Inventory

  • 1 Corinthians 12:4-5: Evaluating one’s strengths and weaknesses resembles the recognition of diverse gifts within the body of Christ. Just as each member has unique contributions, self-inventory reveals personal qualities and areas for growth..

Step 5: Admitting Wrongdoings

  • John 2:1-2: Confronting one’s flaws and sharing them with others is mirrored in the wedding hosts acknowledging the wine shortage. It emphasizes vulnerability and transparency, fostering a supportive community.

Step 6: Willingness to Remove Defects of Character

  • Isaiah 62:2: The desire to change and embrace a new identity resonates with Israel’s promised transformation. It represents the determination to leave behind past behaviors and embrace personal growth.

Step 7: Asking for Spiritual Help

  • 1 Corinthians 12:11: This step aligns with the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering and guiding believers. It acknowledges the divine assistance available for overcoming challenges and fostering resilience.

Step 8: Making a List of People Harmed

  • John 2:10: Identifying those affected by personal shortcomings resembles recognizing the impact of the wine shortage on the wedding guests. It acknowledges the ripple effects of actions and the importance of making amends.

Step 9: Offering Amends

  • Isaiah 62:4: Making restitution for past wrongs relates to Israel’s restoration and healing after a period of turmoil. It emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility and actively working towards renewal.

Step 10: Continuing Moral Inventory and Admitting Mistakes

  • 1 Corinthians 12:4-5: Ongoing self-evaluation reflects the constant awareness of individual roles within the larger community. It highlights the importance of staying mindful of personal growth and purpose.

Step 11: Seeking Connection with a Higher Power through Prayer and Meditation

  • Isaiah 62:1: The practice of prayer and meditation aligns with seeking God’s guidance and maintaining spiritual connection. It emphasizes the value of reflection and discernment for personal and communal well-being.

Step 12: Carrying This Message to Others and Practicing These Principles

  • John 2:11: Sharing personal experiences of transformation with others echoes the significance of Jesus’ first miracle as a sign of his divine identity. It demonstrates the power of personal testimony in inspiring hope and transformation in others.

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DAILY DOSE OF CHRIST (7:06)

CATHOLICISM

Catechism

Doctrinal Homily
Outlines

How Can a Loving and All-Powerful God Allow Such Tragedy to Occur?

The following essay was generated by THE WORD THIS WEEK Catholic Assistant after analyzing the transcript of a 2009 video from Bishop Robert Barron.

The devastating Los Angeles Fires of 2025 have left many grappling with questions about the existence of chaos and disorder in the world. As people of faith, it is natural to question how a loving and all-powerful God could allow such tragedy to occur. Thomas Aquinas and John Stewart Mill’s philosophical arguments can provide some insight into this age-old question.

Aquinas’ Perspective on Evil

Aquinas’ perspective on the existence of evil highlights that if God is infinitely good, then evil should be destroyed. However, he also suggests that God, as an artist, uses the entirety of space and time to create something beautiful. The interplay of darkness and light contributes to the masterpiece of creation. Similarly, in the aftermath of the fires, we may only see a glimpse of the larger picture, a tiny fragment of the grand design.

This idea can offer solace to those affected by the fires, as it invites us to trust in God’s greater plan, even when it is difficult to understand. The chaos and destruction caused by the fires may appear to contradict God’s goodness, but it is possible that they are part of a more profound, divine plan that we cannot fully comprehend in our limited perspective.

John Stewart Mill’s Argument

John Stewart Mill’s argument poses that if evil exists, then God cannot be all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful simultaneously. However, Thomas Aquinas argues that God does not cause evil; instead, He permits it to bring about a greater good. In the context of the Los Angeles Fires, this idea can remind us that while the pain and suffering caused by these tragedies are difficult to bear, they may lead to a greater sense of community and resilience among those affected.

As we grapple with the devastation of the fires, it is essential to remember that our human perspective may only reveal a tiny portion of the divine plan. Although we may not understand why these tragedies occur, we can find solace in the belief that God is working to create something beautiful out of the chaos and suffering. This hope can inspire us to move forward, support one another, and rebuild our lives, as we trust in God’s greater purpose and ultimate love.

The Story of Job: A Guiding Light

Job, a righteous man, experienced unimaginable suffering when he lost his family, possessions, and health. He cried out to God, grappling with the question of why a loving God would allow such pain to befall him. In response, God took Job on a cosmic journey, revealing the vastness and complexity of creation.

This divine encounter serves as a powerful reminder that, in times of suffering, our limited human understanding may not provide the answers we seek. Like Job, we may not comprehend why tragedies like the Los Angeles Fires occur, but the story invites us to trust in God’s greater plan and wisdom. By expanding our perspective and acknowledging the depth and intricacy of creation, we can begin to find solace amid chaos and pain.

As the Church strives to help those affected by the fires, the story of Job can serve as a guiding light. It reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable suffering, faith in God’s ultimate love and purpose can sustain us. By supporting one another and leaning on our faith, we can navigate the devastation and emerge as a stronger, more resilient community.

SPIRITUALITY OF
CONFLICT

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2nd Sunday of Year C

Understanding Conflict Beyond the Mainstream: Lessons from the Wedding at Cana

For something so important in the overall schema of John’s gospel, the story of this ‘first sign’ has a surprising degree of marginality woven through it: the setting is a village wedding; the bride and bridegroom – who might be expected to play a key role in a wedding story – barely feature; Jesus’ actions are anything but ostentatious, and the people privy to the miraculous happening itself are not the bride and groom but the servants and John’s audience – indeed it seems that the bride and groom remain unaware that they have been saved from the shame of the wedding feast running dry. As so often in the gospel texts, significant action involving the kingdom of God occurs otherwhere than we might expect – it is often at the margins, either geographically or sociologically, where understanding first evolves or movement and change begin.

This is not to say that we should never be looking ‘centre–stage’ or should always ignore or dismiss mainstream understandings as we grapple with difficult scenarios. Neither is it to imply that ‘truth’ or worthwhile progress can only be found at the margins (understood in various ways) of a situation or group.  Rather it is a reminder that, when we are seeking to try and understand complex situations, particularly ones involving conflict, we need to make sure that we don’t attend only to the obvious, popular or dominant narratives (and to those voices promoting them) but also give time to listening to and considering those which are perhaps less comfortable and safe, or which feel counterintuitive in some way.

Mary’s Wisdom: Reshaping Energy and Perspective in Conflict

Sometimes in conflict (as in other scenarios) we can get trapped in ways which immobilise us. Perhaps all our energy has gone into self–preservation or into shoring up a particular status quo. Or it could be that we are anchored to a particular understanding, narrative or identity which constrains our imagination or narrows our range of possible actions. Indeed it could be that this latter is what we see here with Jesus: ‘my hour is not yet come’ seems to indicate attention to a very particular narrative mindset at this moment in time. What Mary does – perhaps because she knows him, or perhaps because her own experiences and ponderings have given her a different insight – is to change the shape and energy of the situation. This in turn then opens up the possibility of a different line of thinking and action for Jesus to pursue. 

These dynamics of paralysis and catalysis will be very familiar to anyone who has been in a conflict situation. Indeed we may find ourselves in one of these positions ourselves – as one who needs help to break free in some way, or as one who can change the dynamics or energy of a situation. In both scenarios, the more we understand about the particular conflict and those involved in it (including ourselves), the better the chances that creative change can occur. And of course there is a third possibility present in some of the other gospel stories that we also need to be aware of and guard against: we might sometimes be the one who actively opposes or blocks positive change and so keeps someone trapped or a situation paralysed.

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RABBI JASON SOBEL OFFICIAL (3:12) – Imagine the embarrassment of the family when the wedding feast ran out of wine! Obviously, it was great enough to move Mary to make a special request of her son. Not only did Jesus obey His mother’s wishes, but He turned six pots of water into wine so fine the guests commented on how the best was saved for last. However, there is more to this miracle than Jesus being a compliant son. Journey with Jason to Cana of Galilee and learn how this divine display proves that Jesus is the Greater Moses.

KEY POINTS - Q&A ✨

2nd Sunday of Year C

Multicultural Insights

John 2:1-11, the story of the Wedding at Cana, can be related to different cultures in the following ways:

  1. Jewish Culture: The wedding in Cana takes place in a Jewish context, highlighting the importance of hospitality, celebration, and community within Jewish culture. The story also demonstrates Jesus’ respect for Jewish customs and traditions.
  2. Greek Culture: In Greek culture, wine was associated with Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and festivity. The transformation of water into wine in the story can be seen as a symbol of joy and abundance, which were valued in Greek culture.
  3. African Culture: In African cultures, weddings are often communal events that involve the entire community. The story of the Wedding at Cana can be related to African cultures through the themes of hospitality, celebration, and the importance of family and community.
  4. Latin American Culture: In Latin American cultures, weddings are often large, lively events that involve music, dancing, and feasting. The story of the Wedding at Cana, with its emphasis on celebration and abundance, can be seen as a reflection of these values.
  5. Chinese Culture: In Chinese culture, weddings are seen as a union not only between the couple but also between their respective families. The Wedding at Cana can be related to Chinese culture through its emphasis on family unity, tradition, and the importance of ancestral blessings.
  6. Middle Eastern Culture: Middle Eastern cultures place a strong emphasis on hospitality, generosity, and community. The Wedding at Cana, with its themes of providing for guests and celebrating together, reflects these values.
  7. Indigenous Cultures: Indigenous cultures around the world often value communal gatherings, spiritual beliefs, and respect for elders. The Wedding at Cana shares these themes, highlighting the importance of community and the presence of Jesus’ mother, Mary, who intercedes on behalf of the hosts.

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THE CHOSEN (6:21) – In his first public miracle, Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana. From Season 1 Episode 5 of The Chosen.s.

Comparison and Contrast between the TV Series and Scripture

TABLE 1: SIMILARITIES ✨
TABLE 2: DIFFERENCES ✨

Both the biblical account and “The Chosen” highlight the significance of Jesus’ first miracle, transforming water into wine. In both versions, the story takes place at a wedding in Cana, where Jesus, his mother, and his disciples are in attendance. Mary approaches Jesus, informing him of the host’s predicament as they have run out of wine. Initially, Jesus appears hesitant, but eventually, he responds to Mary’s request, turning water into wine, revealing his divine power.

However, there are some differences between the two versions. The biblical account provides a concise narrative of the event, focusing on the miracle itself and its impact on the disciples’ faith in Jesus. In contrast, “The Chosen” delves deeper into the personal relationships and emotions of the characters involved, creating a more complex and emotionally charged portrayal.

For instance, “The Chosen” explores the dynamics between Jesus and his family, particularly his relationship with his mother, Mary. The episode showcases the tenderness and affection between the two, emphasizing Mary’s faith in her son’s divine nature and her trust in his abilities. This emotional depth is not explicitly outlined in the biblical account but adds a human touch to the story.

Additionally, “The Chosen” intertwines the story of John the Baptizer’s interrogation by Nicodemus alongside the events at Cana. This narrative choice serves to highlight the growing tension between Jesus’ emerging ministry and the religious authorities of the time. By contrast, the biblical account focuses solely on the miracle at Cana, leaving the broader political and religious context as a secondary consideration.

Furthermore, the episode provides a more expansive portrayal of the wedding celebration, emphasizing the festive atmosphere and the attendees’ joy. This contrasts with the biblical account, which primarily concentrates on the dilemma of the wine shortage and Jesus’ miraculous intervention. By showcasing the cultural richness of the celebration, “The Chosen” offers viewers a more immersive and relatable experience of the event.

In conclusion, the Wedding at Cana, as depicted in John 2:1-12 and “The Chosen,” shares the fundamental narrative of Jesus’ first miracle. However, “The Chosen” offers a more emotionally nuanced and contextually rich portrayal of the event, delving into the complexities of the characters and the broader sociopolitical landscape. Both versions contribute to our understanding of this pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, underscoring its significance in revealing his divine nature and the power of faith.

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NBC NEWS (1:31) — Drone video captured devastating destruction in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood after the fire burned almost the entire neighborhood.

2nd Sunday of Year C

2nd Sunday of Year C

EXCERPT: In Jesus’ time wedding customs, like most of ours, were elaborate, but different. The ceremony took place late in the evening, after a great feast. The couple did not go away on a honeymoon, instead they opened their home to family, friends and neighbors. They hosted a party that usually went on for a week. In the light of their strenuous lives, such an event was a wondrous occasion for an entire town, or village, to break from their arduous life and celebrate. So, the prophets and Jesus taught about the wonders of God against the backdrop of a wedding celebration.

The Super-Abundance of Wine
is a Symbol for Us

Jesus is the host at this banquet; he provides us a super-abundance of wine (100-250 gallons!). Well, there is a lot to celebrate! It’s just as the prophets promised: God is an extravagant lover and at the end time will provide a banquet with plenty of food and choice rich wine. This wedding banquet is an announcement that a new time and deeper relationship with God is being offered to us.

That superabundance of wine is a symbol for us. We might have traveled a long distance, or a short one into exile. But we have returned to this wedding feast, to again meet our God, the daring and persistent lover: who does not give up on us; who comes to court us, always welcoming us back, always offering a new beginning, again and again. God calls us with an endearing name, Isaiah says, God calls us, “My Delight.”

Jesus is the specific and powerful reminder that God does not give up on us when we go wandering; when we make foolish choices, when our faith loses its ardor. Try this on for size: for just a day, or even a lifetime, no matter what happens, how we measure ourselves, hear God’s loving voice calling us, “My Delight.” What might that do for our sense of ourselves, our image of this new year?

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LIFE ISSUES — TOPICAL LIBRARIES

Editor: Jerry Novotny OMI, LifeIssues.Net

Currently, 13511 articles organized into the following Topical libraries:

Abortion

Asian Human Rights

Bioethics

Birth Control

Capital Punishment

Catholic Education

Euthanasia/Suicide

Family

HIV-AIDS

Homosexuality

Human Trafficking/Rights

Life

Natural Family Planning

Population

Pornography

Post Abortion

2nd Sunday of Year C

God’s Eternal Bond: The Sacred Sanctity of Life and Love

The wedding at Cana is not just about Jesus helping a couple in need. It is about his wedding to us, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading: “Your Builder shall marry you.” Jesus, by revealing his glory publicly in this way, and having his disciples begin to believe in him, inaugurates the marriage that will be consummated on the cross. The fierce love that God has for human life cannot be overstated or exaggerated. That’s why its sanctity, and the absolute obligation to defend that sanctity, likewise cannot be overstated or exaggerated. To trample human life is to trample upon God’s bride. 

The water becoming wine further symbolizes the fact that Jesus Christ elevates human life and human love to a new kind of life and love: that which is shared within the life of the Trinity. We have human life; now in Christ we are called to partake of Divine life. We experience human love; now in Christ we are called to experience Divine love.

As we do so, we help one another find, manifest, and grow in that life and love. That’s where the many ministries of the Church, as summarized in the Second Reading, come in. All of it is in the service of human life, called to Divine marriage.

SOURCE: Priests for Life

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FULL OF GRACE TV (4:33)

STEWARDSHIP
RESOURCES

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2nd Sunday of Year C

Lessons from Cana

Summary: We can learn a great deal about stewardship from the account of the Wedding at Cana that we read in the Gospel today. Just as Mary was the first to notice and intervene at the wedding, we can be assured that whenever we run to her in a time of trial, she will readily come to our aid. Secondly, we should seek to imitate the servants who trustingly obeyed Jesus and strive to trust that God can bring about great miracles through our small acts of stewardship.

In the Gospel this Sunday we hear about Jesus’ first miracle. Jesus was with His mother and disciples at a wedding in Cana when the wine had run out. Mary asked Jesus to help and He in turn changed six large jars of water into delicious fine wine. Let us take some time to reflect on this extraordinary event and see how it can influence us in our life of stewardship.

Firstly, we can learn a beautiful lesson about the role of Mary in our lives from this scene. It was our Blessed Mother who noticed that the wine was running out and she was quick to intervene. Mary has a true mother’s heart and is very in tune with the needs of all her children. Whenever we are in a time of trial we should run to Mary and trust that she will console us as a mother consoles her young. Perhaps the next time we experience a moment of difficulty, let us take a moment to stop, consider the loving embrace of Our Lady and say a Hail Mary.

Additionally, from this episode we can learn a great deal about trust and obedience from the servants whom Jesus instructed. The Gospel says that the servants had “drawn the water” from the jars. The servants saw the cup filled with water, yet they still trusted that something remarkable would happen when they handed the cup to the chief steward. Sometimes from our perspective nothing remarkable is happening in our good works of stewardship. However, let us strive to trust that God can take our simple acts and bring about great miracles through them.

SOURCE: Archdiocese of Toronto / This resource may be reproduced without permission for non-commercial purposes by dioceses/eparchies, parishes and other religious organizations such as religious orders, etc.

THEOLOGY OF
THE BODY

Christopher and Wendy West answer questions about faith, life, love, and sexuality, in light of John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.

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Pope John Paul II’s
Theology of the Body

A Cliff Notes’ Version (PDF)

2nd Sunday of Year C

CONNECTION TO SUNDAY‘S READINGS

The Wedding at Cana: Restoring Eros with Divine Agape

The content below has been generated by THE WORD THIS WEEK Catholic Assistant, employing advanced AI technology. It is important to note that it is not officially connected with Christopher West or the Theology of the Body Institute.

The Wedding at Cana, as described in John 2:1-11, offers a profound exploration of the Theology of the Body, particularly through the lens of the teachings of Christopher West. At the heart of this miracle is the revelation of Christ’s divine love and the fulfillment of humanity’s deepest longing for communion.

As West explains, “God wants to marry us!” This statement encapsulates the essence of the Theology of the Body—that God’s intention for humanity is an intimate, loving union with him. This desire for union is expressed in the human experience of eros, or the deep hunger for love, which ultimately seeks divine love, or agape.

However, eros can be misdirected when we “run out of wine”—that is, when we lose touch with the divine source of love. Sin has severed the connection between eros and agape, creating a void that only Christ can fill.

At the wedding in Cana, the shortage of wine symbolizes humanity’s lack of divine love, the absence of agape in the human experience of eros. In response to his mother’s request, Jesus performs his first miracle, transforming water into wine—an act that signifies the restoration of divine love to the human experience.

This superabundance of wine at Cana mirrors the superabundance of God’s love for humanity. It is a tangible expression of the divine desire to unite with us, to fulfill our deepest longing for love. By attending to this longing, Christ inaugurates the marriage that will ultimately be consummated on the cross, where his self-giving love will be fully manifested.

In this context, the Wedding at Cana becomes a powerful symbol of the Theology of the Body. It illustrates the inherent connection between human and divine love, and it reveals the ultimate goal of humanity’s journey—to partake in the divine life and love of the Trinity.

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2nd Sunday of Year C

give five preaching ideas that relate each reading to Vocations and discernemnt to religious life and priesthood and diaconate xxxxxxxxxxx