Sunday, January 17, 2016, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time
Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Psalm 96:1-3, 7-10, John 2:1-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/011716.cfm
WHY PRAY?
"For Zion's sake I will not be silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet, until her vindication shines forth like the dawn and her victory like a burning torch." -Isaiah 62:1
At the wedding of Cana, Mary told Jesus: "They have no more wine" (Jn 2:3). Jesus seemed to respond that He wasn't going to do anything about it because His hour had not yet come (Jn 2:4). Then Jesus changed the water into wine (Jn 2:9). Did Jesus change His mind? Did Mary talk or pray Jesus into changing His mind? Can our prayers get God to do things for us?
The answer to these questions is "No." God doesn't change His mind (see Mal 3:6), and we don't have to talk or pray God into doing things for us. He loves us so much that He wants to do for us much more than we can ever want done.
The purpose of this conversation between Mary and Jesus may be to show us the importance and power of Mary's prayer and also of our prayers. Prayer is one of our major ways of participating in God's plan. We are not just the beneficiaries of the Lord's work; we are co-workers with Him (1 Cor 3:9). We are not merely incidental to the Lord's work; we are so important that we can even move up the timing of God's plan (see 2 Pt 3:12). Because the Lord has chosen to make us important, our prayers are extremely important. Pray accordingly.
Prayer: Father, teach me why I pray.
Promise: "It is one and the same Spirit Who produces all these gifts, distributing them to each as He wills." -1 Cor 12:11
Praise: Praise You, All-holy Lord Jesus, risen Lord and King Who is to come! All glory and honor belong to You.
(For a related teaching, order our tape "Daily Prayers" on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62 or listen to or download CD 62-3 or DVD 62 at presentationministries.com.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from December 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2015
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2016 Presentation Ministries
To add your e-mail address to this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp
To remove your e-mail address from this list go to
http://www.presentationministries.com/general/emailList.asp?mode=r
No comments:
Post a Comment