Mary Olivia Patiño
January Notes
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens... A time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
-Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2b
Cana (March, 2012)
Mary Olivia Patiño, MTS
The Wedding at Cana
Gospel Reading for Sunday, January 20, 2019: John 2:1-11.
““Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did so as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory.””
During our journey, we entered famous places and the holiest of shrines. Suddenly, the desert, the plants, the oasis came alive for me. In Galilee, the sea and lush vegetation contrasted mightily with other landscapes I felt the pages of history open before my eyes! Jesus himself seemed to walk with us in the very places where he lived, walked, worked, and ministered over 2,000 years ago.
One such place was Cana in Galilee.
The Gospel reading for Sunday, January 20 reminds me of my own experiences in the town of Cana. In Cana, we celebrated Mass and a blessing of the married couples in our group.
In John’s Gospel passage, the evangelist speaks of Jesus’ first miracle.
“They have no wine.” His mother’s remark seemed to elicit a rebuke from Jesus: “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.”
And yet, Jesus was obedient. He saw the need and transformed water into wine. In John’s Gospel, this is Jesus’ ‘first’ of seven ‘signs’ that he performs to reveal his glory. With this first ‘sign’, this first miracle, Jesus went on to feed the hungry, heal the sick, teach the spiritually thirsty, and to lead his disciples.
This moment presaged his extreme and ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of all. The moment that we now enter in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist when the wine becomes the blood of the Lamb, the Blood of Jesus Christ.
For Reflection:
What 'signs' reveal God's presence in your life?
What 'signs' from Jesus are you most hungry for? Why?
What 'signs' are your grateful for?
Journal
John Gospel reminds us that Jesus was a guest. He was invited to the wedding celebration.
How do we invite Jesus' into our lives?
Suggested Study:
The Turning Point: Eight Encounters with Jesus That will Change Your Life by Dr. Allen Hunt. Published by Dynamic Catholic.
Moments of Grace:
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Writing helps us 'explore' our spiritual wellspring. Be ready for the surprising memories that may surface, for the joy they bring or for the opportunity of healing.
Enter into the experience: write to remember, to create, or to leave a legacy.
Deda's Fine Baked Goods in Vancouver, Washington:
A Meditation on Gratitude
Fr. James Martin, S.J. offers a meditation on gratitude and on "savoring occasions."..which can be "antidotes for our increasingly rushed lives". (America Magazine online, November 24, 2018).
https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2010/11/22/gratitude-and-spiritual-life
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Author Geraldine Guadagno has several books. Here is one, below:
5 Steps to Facing Suffering by Geraldine Guadagno
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The Moss Rose Antique Shop by Glee Miller
A Spirituality of Daily Praise
A Cup of Faith
by Mary Olivia Patiño, MTS
A Cup of Faith
“My days are so busy, cooking, washing, and doing errands. You name it. I can’t seem to find time to just relax or even to sit down and pray. I almost need to draw up a list of all I have to do. How do you start your day?” We were in a café, about to order a cup of coffee. I was trying to decide over a ‘potato & egg’ or a ‘bean & cheese’ taco, among my usual favorites. Listening to my friend’s question, I also knew that she does take her faith seriously, and lives it. Today, she sounded a little tired. Yet, the question was still valid and led me to the following reflection:
How do I start my day?
Here are three suggestions to start the day:
-Give thanks. Lift up your mind and thoughts in gratitude. Expressing gratitude is paramount, the ‘first order’, and a way of praying.
-Open the front or back door and take in the beauty before you. This is one way of praising God.
-Start the coffee!
Nature invites us to pause, slow down, and reflect on the beauty of creation. I enjoy the bluejays, mockingbirds, and cardinals that fly across my horizon; sometimes they spring down from the tree branches to munch on birdseed I’ve placed outdoors. Occasionally, I catch a glimpse of Carolina wrens or a back crested titmouse. I’ve dubbed the ‘pesky’ squirrels who eat the seed or dig up my planters as ‘you rascally creatures’. However, I do enjoy watching them ‘freeze’ against the tree limbs when they hear me object to their antics.
But for those who don’t have the luxury of a back yard, or don’t wake up near a park, focus on whatever is before you. Sometimes, a cup of coffee or tea is all it takes for me to breathe in God's goodness. The feel of a warm cup in hand and the aroma emanating is heavenly!
For me, the simple ritual of brewing coffee, serving myself, and sitting down to relax is a nice time to give thanks, and reflect on the day which is about to begin. It is my way of seeing life through a ‘Cup of Faith’. It is good to the taste, and good for the soul. It can also be a way of ‘pray-er’ in the midst of a busy day.
Journal:
Reflect on the ways that you start your day, pray or offer the day to the Lord. Let the Holy Spirit guide you.
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Care for a Cup of Faith?
My "Cups of Faith" feature photographs that I have taken as well as 'sayings' or quotations from Sacred Scripture. A selection of two quotes for the The Red Birds: "Celebrate" ; or "The Birds of heaven dwell; from among the branches they send forth their song."
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More of my writing can be found in Moments of Grace: A Collection of Poetry Inspired by Faith. Find me on