At the end of the exile of the Israelites in Babylon, the author of Third Isaiah assures the people that, even now, the God whom they had abandoned has not given up on them. In fact, God will transform not only the reputation of the people – Nations shall behold your vindication, and all the kings your glory, the prophet says – God will also transform his God’s relationship with them: you shall be called “my Delight” and your land “Espoused.” God’s mercy is a forgiveness that heals; the entire existence and identity of the people will be transformed by God’s action in their lives. The prophet calls the people to see God at work in their midst, and to follow the recommendation of Psalm 96: Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all the nations with a new song, giving to the Lord glory and praise, the glory due his name.’
In John’s Gospel, the story of the wedding at Cana is the beginning of his signs, signs that will reveal Jesus by showing God at work through him. Those present come to believe in him, with a growing confidence that Jesus is the one God sent, the one in whom all can put their faith. Taking six stone water jars used for Jewish ceremonial washings, Jesus transforms them into something entirely new – the good wine. In so doing, Jesus is transforming not only Jewish practice but also the way the people present understand their faith in God; God at work in Jesus reveals his glory!
But God’s work didn’t stop with Jesus. As Paul reminds the Corinthians, There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. The Holy Spirit’s activity in and through the members of the Body of Christ is meant to be a manifestation of Christ himself in the world, through the transformation not only of the members themselves, but also of all those whom we allow God to transform through us. We reveal Christ whenever we allow the Spirit to work through us, thanks to our different gifts, which are manifestations of the Spirit given for some benefit. All that it requires of us that we remain open to allowing God to work, building the faith and hope that make us church, and revealing – what else? – God’s glory! Proclaim it!
This post is based on Fr. Pat’s Scripture class.
Image source: www.wordclouds.com
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