Opening the Word: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (1/19/2025)

Opening the Word is a series of prompts from The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies to help focus our minds and hearts on the Sunday Mass Readings. After Jesus revealed Himself to the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus, they said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32). Our Lord desires to enflame our hearts also by revealing Himself to us in His Word. Take this opportunity to pause, and allow the Lord to make Himself known to you through the opening of the Scriptures which will ready your eyes to see Him in the breaking of the bread.

Listen Here:

First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel: John 2:1-11

Step 1: Begin in prayer, asking the Lord to open your heart to receive how He wants to make Himself known to you. Then, attentively read the Scriptures.

Step 2: Consider these meditation prompts that follow from the readings:

1. Consider the many layers into which the first reading from Isaiah speaks. In the reading, the prophet speaks of Jerusalem’s vindication—that she will be glorious in the hand of God, a royal diadem, delighted in, and espoused by the Lord Himself. Reflect on this reading in how it speaks of Jerusalem; how it speaks of the Church; and finally, how it speaks of you.
2. What gifts has the Lord given you to build up the Body of Christ? If it’s hard to identify one or more, ask a friend or loved one. Additionally, use this opportunity to identify and affirm the gifts of the Spirit in those around you.
3. In the Gospel, Mary brings the daily concern of men and women into the salvific radius of Jesus. Like a good mother, she is attentive to the needs of her children. She turns to Jesus and tells Him, “They have no wine.” What concerns, however big or small, can you bring to Mary today so that she can bring it to the feet of her Son? Finally, pay special attention to Mary’s words of advice when she turns back to us: “Do whatever he tells you.” What is Jesus asking of you today?

Step 3: Conclude with a prayer of gratitude and ask the Lord to keep these Words in your heart.