“Do What He Tells You”: A reflection on Faith, Charismas, adn the Miracle at Cana
As the season of Advent and the Christmas holidays fade into memory, we step into what is often referred to as “ordinary time.” But as Alejandro Carbajo, CMF, reminds us, “ordinary” does not mean “boring.” It signifies the habitual, the familiar—a time to reflect on the profound lessons of faith and the transformative power of Jesus.
The readings for this period focus on the charismas within the community and the miracle of the wedding at Cana. These themes invite us to explore the depth of God’s love and the gifts He bestows upon us.
The Love of God and the Gift of Charismas
Table of Contents
The prophet Isaiah beautifully captures the essence of God’s relationship wiht His people, comparing it to a marriage. “As a husband rejoices with his wife, so your God rejoices with you.” This imagery underscores the profound love that God has for humanity—a love celebrated during christmas and carried forward into our daily lives.
This divine love is manifested through charismas, which Carbajo describes as “free gifts of God.” These spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given to believers to serve and build the community of faith.Though, as seen in the community of Corinth, charismas can sometimes lead to division when misused. “There was great confusion precisely as of the charismas, whose lucky ones used them to give themselves importance and seek first positions in the community, with the result of divisions, envy and jealousy.”
The diversity of charismas reflects the richness and creativity of the Holy Spirit. Each believer is unique, with a specific role to play in the community. Yet, all are united by the same spirit, who empowers and guides them. These gifts are meant to promote mutual love,not competition,and to contribute to unity rather than division.
The Miracle at Cana: A Testament to faith and Obedience
The Gospel recounts the miracle at the wedding in Cana,where Jesus turned water into wine. This event,the first of his signs according to the evangelist John,reveals His transforming and saving power. It also highlights the importance of faith and obedience in our relationship with Him.
The wedding, a joyous occasion, was on the verge of disaster due to a lack of wine. Jesus, present in the midst of this human party, intervened through the mediation of His mother, the Virgin Mary. “Do whatever He tells you,” Mary instructed the servants, a phrase that resonates as a call to trust in Jesus’ providence and follow His instructions.
This miracle is a reminder that Jesus is present in both our joys and sorrows. He is not a distant or grumpy God but one who delights in our earthly joys and comforts us in our pain. As Carbajo notes, “He knows how to be present in joys and sorrows. In all situations and in all human places.”
Lessons for the church and Believers
The miracle at Cana also offers a model for the Church. Mary’s attentiveness and intercession exemplify how the Church should live: “with eyes open, attentive to what is happening around us, pleading for others, praying to God for those who are in trouble, for those who suffer.”
Carbajo encourages us to be faithful administrators of the charismas we have received,always attentive to the needs of others and trusting in God’s providence. “It is a good day today to ask the Lord to make us faithful administrators of the charismas that he has given us, always attentive to what is happening around us, always available, trusting, and all for the greater glory of God and the salvation of our brothers.”
Key Takeaways
| Theme | Key Message |
|————————–|———————————————————————————|
| Charismas | Spiritual gifts given by God to serve and build the community of faith. |
| Miracle at Cana | Jesus’ first sign, revealing His transforming power and the need for obedience. |
| Role of Mary | Exemplifies intercession and attentiveness to the needs of others.|
| call to Action | Be faithful administrators of charismas, trusting in God’s providence. |
As we navigate ordinary time, let us carry these lessons with us, trusting in the transformative power of Jesus and the gifts He has bestowed upon us. “Do whatever He tells you,” and let His love guide your path.
the richness and creativity of the Holy Spirit. Each believer is unique, with a specific role too play in the community. Yet, all are united by the same spirit, who empowers and guides them. These gifts are meant to promote mutual love,not competition,and to contribute to unity rather than division.
The Miracle at Cana: A Testament to faith and Obedience
The Gospel recounts the miracle at the wedding in cana,where Jesus turned water into wine. This event,the first of his signs according to the evangelist John,reveals His transforming and saving power. It also highlights the importance of faith and obedience in our relationship with Him.
The wedding, a joyous occasion, was on the verge of disaster due to a lack of wine. Jesus, present in the midst of this human party, intervened through the mediation of His mother, the Virgin Mary. “Do whatever He tells you,” Mary instructed the servants, a phrase that resonates as a call to trust in Jesus’ providence and follow His instructions.
This miracle is a reminder that Jesus is present in both our joys and sorrows. He is not a distant or grumpy god but one who delights in our earthly joys and comforts us in our pain. As Carbajo notes, “He knows how to be present in joys and sorrows. In all situations and in all human places.”
Lessons for the church and Believers
The miracle at Cana also offers a model for the Church. Mary’s attentiveness and intercession exemplify how the Church should live: “with eyes open,attentive to what is happening around us,pleading for others,praying to God for those who are in trouble,for those who suffer.”
Carbajo encourages us to be faithful administrators of the charismas we have received,always attentive to the needs of others and trusting in God’s providence. “It is a good day today to ask the Lord to make us faithful administrators of the charismas that he has given us, always attentive to what is happening around us, always available, trusting, and all for the greater glory of God and the salvation of our brothers.”
Key takeaways
| Theme | Key Message |
|————————–|———————————————————————————|
| Charismas | Spiritual gifts given by God to serve and build the community of faith. |
| Miracle at Cana | Jesus’ first sign, revealing His transforming power and the need for obedience. |
| Role of Mary | exemplifies intercession and attentiveness to the needs of others.|
| call to Action | Be faithful administrators of charismas, trusting in God’s providence. |
As we navigate ordinary time,let us carry these lessons with us,trusting in the transformative power of Jesus and the gifts He has bestowed upon us.“Do whatever He tells you,” and let His love guide your path.
Examining Faith, Charismas, and the Miracle of Cana: A Conversation with Dr. Michael O’Connor
As we transition from the holiday season into what the liturgical calendar calls “ordinary time,” it’s an opportunity to reflect on deeper themes of faith, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the enduring lessons of Jesus’ miracles. To explore these ideas, we sat down with Dr. Michael O’Connor,a theologian and expert in biblical studies,to discuss the importance of charismas and the miracle at the wedding in Cana. Dr. O’Connor shares insights into how these biblical narratives continue to shape Christian life today.
The Concept of Charismas: Gifts from the Holy Spirit
Senior Editor: Dr. O’Connor, let’s start with the idea of charismas. What exactly are they, and how do they function within the Christian community?
Dr. Michael O’Connor: Charismas are spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers to building up the Church and serving others. these gifts are diverse—ranging from teaching and healing to prophecy and administration—and they reflect the creativity and generosity of God. St. Paul, in his letters, emphasizes that these gifts are not for personal glorification but for the common good. They’re meant to foster unity and mutual love, not division or competition.
Senior Editor: You mentioned division.We see in the community of Corinth that misusing charismas led to envy and jealousy. How can modern Christians avoid similar pitfalls?
Dr. Michael O’Connor: That’s a great question. The key is humility and a focus on service. When we recognize that these gifts are not earned but freely given by God,it shifts our perspective. we’re called to use them selflessly,always asking,“how can I serve others?” rather than,“How can I stand out?” It’s also crucial for communities to encourage and discern these gifts collectively,ensuring they’re used in ways that promote unity and love.
The Miracle at Cana: Lessons in Faith and Obedience
Senior Editor: Turning to the miracle at Cana, why is this event so significant in the gospel of John?
Dr.Michael O’Connor: The miracle at Cana is Jesus’ first public sign in John’s Gospel,and it’s packed with meaning. At its core, it reveals Jesus’ divine power and His willingness to intervene in human lives.The transformation of water into wine isn’t just a display of might; it’s a symbol of God’s abundance and His desire to bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. It also underscores the importance of faith and obedience, as seen in Mary’s instruction to the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.”
Senior Editor: Mary’s role here is interesting. how does her intervention reflect her role in the Church?
Dr. Michael O’Connor: Mary serves as a model of intercession and attentiveness. She notices the need—the lack of wine—and brings it to Jesus. Her words to the servants are a timeless call to trust in Jesus’ providence. In the Church, Mary reminds us to be vigilant, to care for others, and to bring their needs to God in prayer. That’s a powerful lesson for all believers.
Applying these Lessons in Modern Life
Senior Editor: How can we apply these lessons—about charismas and the miracle at Cana—to our lives today?
Dr. Michael O’Connor: first, we need to recognize and cultivate the gifts God has given us. Each of us has a unique role in the Body of Christ, and our charismas are tools for fulfilling that role. Second, we’re called to be attentive to the needs around us, just as Mary was at Cana. Whether it’s in our families, workplaces, or communities, we’re invited to be instruments of God’s love and providence. we must trust in God’s timing and plan. “Do whatever He tells you” is a simple yet profound directive. It’s about surrendering our will to His and believing that He can transform even the most ordinary moments into something remarkable.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. O’Connor. Your insights offer a fresh perspective on these timeless biblical themes and their relevance to our lives today.
Dr.Michael O’Connor: My pleasure. It’s always a joy to explore these profound truths and their practical applications.
