I have commented on three of four readings for tomorrow's Catholic mass on the Feast of St. Sebastian. Today, I will end with a comment on the Gospel. The Gospel is the story of Jesus's first miracle in the Gospel of John, the wedding at Cana. As a person who, here is what I take away from it:
(1) At weddings, miracles happen. It is amazing to think that two people would promise each other one year together. It is incredible to think that two people would promise each other the rest of their lives. Sherry and I got married at 22. That could be 60 years--or even 70. Through all of a partner's changes. Opinions. Self-expressions. Aspirations. And moving forward together.
(2) Our gifts should be shared. Mary asked Jesus to share a gift when the wine at the wedding ran out. Jesus was hesitant at first. Then he decided to do what his mother had asked. Part of that is respect for parents. Part of that is sharing gifts. I am all called to do that. St. Sebastian found bold ways to do it.
(3) Knowing when to share our gifts. Sometimes I think that there is a specific time for development and display of particular gifts or talents. Sometimes I think my life is on a certain path and a certain timeline. But life rarely follows the exact path and the exact timeline I expect. As Jesus overcame his hesitation, in some cases so must I. Life is not on a set path. And I must respond when at the right time even if I was not originally thinking that the time was right. The tension between what I expect to be the right time and what actually turns out to be the right time is tricky to figure out sometimes.
Many insights from the readings on the day of the saint I have adopted as a patron saint for the last year. Now, I hope to continue throughout the rest of this year in the process of my own development of living out the roles in which I am given the opportunity to show and share my gifts. For my own benefit and hopefully for the benefit of others.
(1) At weddings, miracles happen. It is amazing to think that two people would promise each other one year together. It is incredible to think that two people would promise each other the rest of their lives. Sherry and I got married at 22. That could be 60 years--or even 70. Through all of a partner's changes. Opinions. Self-expressions. Aspirations. And moving forward together.
(2) Our gifts should be shared. Mary asked Jesus to share a gift when the wine at the wedding ran out. Jesus was hesitant at first. Then he decided to do what his mother had asked. Part of that is respect for parents. Part of that is sharing gifts. I am all called to do that. St. Sebastian found bold ways to do it.
(3) Knowing when to share our gifts. Sometimes I think that there is a specific time for development and display of particular gifts or talents. Sometimes I think my life is on a certain path and a certain timeline. But life rarely follows the exact path and the exact timeline I expect. As Jesus overcame his hesitation, in some cases so must I. Life is not on a set path. And I must respond when at the right time even if I was not originally thinking that the time was right. The tension between what I expect to be the right time and what actually turns out to be the right time is tricky to figure out sometimes.
Many insights from the readings on the day of the saint I have adopted as a patron saint for the last year. Now, I hope to continue throughout the rest of this year in the process of my own development of living out the roles in which I am given the opportunity to show and share my gifts. For my own benefit and hopefully for the benefit of others.
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