Weekend Masses

In the gospel today Mary makes a simple statement” They have no wine” She knew there was no store to run to. She knew the embarrassment and shame that would be caused to the bride and groom and their families when they ran out of wine. She knew her son. In that simple statement she was opening the way for an act that saved the family from embarrassment. This year Pope Francis has called on all to celebrate a year of Mercy in a special way. Mary’s simple comment shows us that mercy and compassion is very much about noticing what is going on around us. All of us learned about the corporal works of Mercy. Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty…. And that could be translated as don’t let your friends or family be embarrassed, share with others in the home or through designated programs, be prepared to eat meals together as family so that you learn to work together and share the tasks. Very often it’s the simple things that show mercy. “They have no wine” In that statement there is the full realization of the predicament the young couple is in. Jesus hears all and understands that he has to and can do something. In this year of mercy we are being challenged to do something. Maybe it’s a can of beans, maybe it’s a kind word, the challenge to a public rep or cleaning out all those clothes that you will never use, but what it maybe saying to us in a simple phrase is show Mercy and put the works of Mercy into action this Jubilee Year. May we hear and understand that we can and must do something. Lord, please help me as I journey through this year to be aware of your presence in my life. Help me be aware of the needs of those around me, but above all Lord help me to be thankful for what I have and to share the little I have with others and in so doing show Gods ‘Love and Mercy to others Amen. Pray for me, as I pray for you, Fr Karl

Today we celebrate the baptism of the Lord. In Baptism we have all become sons and daughters of God. Sometimes we forget that and we judge people, because of where they live or what they have or have not because of the color of their skin, their race or religion. Even for the apostles it was at times a learning curve. Read chapter 10 of the acts of the apostles (part of what we read at mass today) you see Peter struggling with the same dilemma and God reminds him that he Peter “must not call anyone profane or unclean” Peter addresses the household of Cornelius and says” I now really understand that God has no favorites, but that any- one of any nationality who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him”. Even with this new understanding St Paul later rebukes him for falling back into old ways when he is only dining with the Jewish Christians. Even for the apostles living out the gospel was difficult at times As we continue to journey through the year of mercy we too have to challenge ourselves to see our world in God’s terms and values. We need to reflect on the gospels and the New Testament to see where we fall short and try like Peter to walk in the right path. May this year of Grace help us all to a new understanding of God’s Mercy in our world and in our lives. Pray for me as I pray for you, Fr Karl