Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

FR MICHAEL BIBLICAL IMAGERY

(Fr Michael Boakye Yeboah: Vice Rector of St Gregory Seminary, Kumasi-Ghana)

THE CANA MODEL

            The three readings given to us for our reflection may offer us clues for building a good parish community or by extension a good society. Years ago, when I studied philosophy I fell in love with John Lock’s “Bene Commune” (for the common good). There are some people who are of the view that seeking the common good of all persons in a given parish is the best way to live in a parish community and I side with them perfectly.

            I get my conviction from today’s second reading from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. The inspired writer is of the opinion that all gifts that parishioners possess come from God and they are meant to be used to the benefit of all members of the parish community. St Paul drives his point home clearly when he states: “Brothers and sisters: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit…” The Apostle goes on to highlight various gifts that people are endowed with. The gifts are basically grouped into the following: ministration, redemption through healing and profession of faith, and preparation towards eternal life. There is no place where it is stated that the one blessed with the gift(s) stands to benefit directly but the gifts are meant to serve the needs of others. At all times, we should fill our parish communities with clerical and lay ministers who are 24/7 ready to put their talents and charisms at the service of their fellow parishioners. We can do this because the Gospel gives us a concrete example from Jesus and his mother Mary.

            In today’s Gospel the inspired writer tells us that some poor folk invited Jesus, his mother, and his disciples to their wedding, but they run out of wine. Mary, already representing the caring and interceding Church, turns to the Son for help. Mary knew of herself that she possessed the power of intercession and her Son possessed the transformative power. It wasn’t time for Jesus to start his ministry but through his Mother’s intercession, a poor couple were able to serve their guests. Our Blessed Mother continues to perform her role for the benefit of the Church and the world. Jesus has not also deprived us of his redemptive and transformative powers.

            The Cana-model should be the model for all Church communities and parishes. We all should learn from our Blessed Mother and beg for help for those who need assistance in our parishes. In some cases, some of us can be of help to these needy people. Parishes should glory in the culture of others-centeredness and not selfishness. We should know that it may be through the help that we give that some people may experience “the Jesus transformative” miracle in their lives. We are the hands and legs of Jesus to walk into people’s lives and bring them help and transformation. If we are ready to assist needy people as Mary and Jesus did in Cana, our world will surely be a better place for us all.

            A similar picture is painted in the first reading where the prophet compares God’s joy at a converted, purified people with the joy between a bridegroom and a bride. God always wishes his children to be happy and live in moments of blissfulness. Make someone happy today.