Today’s Gospel story of Jesus changing water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana is the third revelation of Jesus and what he has been sent to accomplish.  At Christmas, we celebrate the Incarnation—God is revealed in human flesh.  At the Epiphany, Jesus is shown as the light of for all nations—represented by the Magi.  And in the miracle at Cana, Jesus reveals his glory in the Gospel according to John. On this initial Sunday of Ordinary Time, we begin to believe anew in him as the disciples began to believe for the first time.

As we hear the story of the Marriage Feast of Cana today, I offer our blessings to all married couples and those couples who have recently been engaged!  I pray that God will strengthen your hearts so that you may keep faith with each other and to please God in all things as you live the sacrament of marriage.  God bless you and your marriages for you are a mirror of the love of God in this world! Amen!

Just a reminder of a number of upcoming events in our parish.  Both Fr. Francisco and I are teaching the Gospel of Luke which is the usual gospel read during this liturgical year.  English Bible study is on Thursdays, and the Spanish study is on Fridays.  Check the bulletin for further details.  Be sure to get your Valentine Day Dinner/Dance tickets right away.  They are going fast!  This promises to be a delightful evening with great music with a live orchestra playing music of the Big Band era and a delicious four-course dinner!  All proceeds go to the renewal of St. Francis Hall.

I also remind us all of the Pastoral Council Discernment Meeting to take place on Tuesday evening, January 29th.  The key role of the pastoral council is advisory and to design and oversee a parish plan for the spiritual growth of our parish community. Come and find out more at the discernment meeting. Perhaps you will be selected to be a member of the council.

In closing, I wish to thank Natalie Ibarra, our Youth Minister, and her amazing team, for the well planned and presented retreats for our young people preparing for Confirmation.  Last weekend, I celebrated Reconciliation and Mass at the boys’ retreat and this weekend is the girls’ retreat.  Bless all of you for giving so much of yourselves to inspire these young people to get to know Jesus better and to grow ever closer to him!

Love, Fr. Vince