My Galilee

A Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, January 19th, 2025:
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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John
2.1-12

​On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding.

When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding about a hundred litres. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it.

When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

​Ever wonder why Jesus performed “the first of his signs” in “Cana of Galilee”?

Two reasons come to mind. First, His mother requested it, and second, God the Father chose Galilee as the place where Jesus would carry out much of His ministry.

Like Jesus, each of us is called to serve others through the work we do. This service may take the form of our careers, but it can also be reflected in the relationships we build. While Jesus had His mother Mary to prompt Him, we have our own Marys in the form of friends, co-workers, church community, and family. These people not only highlight new opportunities, but also encourage and affirm the talents and strengths we possess.

By staying open to God’s will for His life, Jesus “revealed his glory” when He performed His first sign at Cana. We are called to remain open to God’s will for our lives, too, through meditation on His Word and immersion in the sacramental life of the Church. Like the saints before us we, too, can attune ourselves to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and find our own “Galilee.” For some, this may mean a physically distinct place or country, but for others, our “Nazareths” may also become our “Galilees.” In either case, we are called to surround ourselves with a community that helps guide us on our journey to Heaven, bringing a piece of Heaven to Earth. We should deeply appreciate the people in our lives who point us toward Christ.

Jesus could have performed His first miracle in Nazareth, where He grew up, but He chose Galilee. This suggests that, like our Lord and Saviour, each of us has a designated “ministry zone.” On a recent trip to Mumbai, India, to celebrate Christmas with family, I was graced with the realization that while Mumbai is my Nazareth, Halifax is my Galilee. I have a clear sense that God has called me to Halifax, at least for now, and it brings me peace to know that I am exactly where He needs me. My parish community is filled with Marys who help me discern God’s voice, and I am deeply grateful for the friends, co-workers, and family members who have supported me on my spiritual journey. May Jesus allow the “good wine” to spill over into our lives and help us recognize our “Galilees.” 

Lord Jesus, thank you for all that you have done for me. Help me recognize you in the people who guide me and encourage me. Help me value the place you have reserved for me, and may I truly seek you in every situation and circumstance. Amen.




Rebecca D’Mello​

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