General. The Collect Prayer at the beginning of the Eucharist is one for peace which goes along with love, this Sunday’s liturgy theme, wonderfully. The irradiation of these states of being during Holy Mass, together with that of community, will send us out talking of God’s love for humanity and for each and every one of us individually, for whom He has worked out miracles to keep us in His love.

Isaiah. The reading recalls God receiving the exiled Jews back into His fold in the holy city of Jerusalem after years of exile in Babylon which was a pagan land. He espouses the city to Him thereby bringing about justice (living in the fear of God), glory and communion, the three key words on which the relationship is built between man and woman in marriage.

First Epistle to the Corinthians. St Paul recalls the freedom of the Spirit which bestows gifts according to its will. Anyone receiving such gifts, which are the manifestation of the Spirit and very much corresponding to the seven gifts we mention in Pentecost, will rush out of the cenacle and make use of these gifts for the benefit of all humanity. The opening statement offers much food for thought in the words gifts, ministries and works and yet again Spirit, Lord and God.

St John. Today’s Gospel relates to the third manifestation of the Epiphany when Jesus, clothed in divinity, is shown to the world as the Son of God. In the first manifestation, the kings of the nations bring him gifts (see Epistle), thus recognizing his divinity over all. When Jesus was baptized by John, the Father spoke from heaven showing His pleasure in His Son, sending him out on the start of his ministry mission. Today, we see Jesus having divine power to work miracles, thus showing the glory given to him by the Father, and turning ordinary water (everyday drab life) into wine (joy, mirth, extraordinary happiness). He also raises marriage to the status of a sacrament, blessing the family union which can only take place between husband and wife.

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