January 30, 2015

CANA SUNDAY

Great Lent is a  time for change, for transformation. The Maronite Church begins Great Lent with Cana Sunday, a commemoration of the transformation of water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana at Galilee. This change prepares us for the evening when we change wine into his blood and bread into his body.

Mary had only to mention to Jesus that something was wrong: “They have no wine.” Jesus understood that his Mother was not simply making an observation, but was seeking his powerful intervention. On her part, Mary was confident that he would listen to her. She had given birth to him and had lived with him for thirty years, so she had faith in him. At first, Jesus responded with an apparent refusal, “Woman, (a term of respect which he would also use on the cross) how does this concern of yours involve me?” The reason for his response was that his hour had not yet come, namely the hour of his death and resurrection, after which he would answer all the prayers of his Mother.

Jesus came into the world for a definite purpose and task, as we all do. He did not see his life in terms of the immediate needs of any particular moment, but only in terms of his purpose and the eternal plan of the Father. All of his deeds had to correspond and lead to the ultimate fulfillment of his life.

Mary knew that her prayer would not be refused; she told them to do whatever he told them. Mary trusted in her Son and her request was fulfilled. She told the servants as she tells all of us: do whatever my Son tells you.

Jesus instructed the servants to fill the six waterpots. The number six might be significant because in the mentality of the time, six was an imperfect number. (Seven was considered as perfection.) The six waterpots can represent the imperfection of the old law, which Jesus is to fill with the wine of the Gospel and of his grace. The imperfection of law was transformed into the perfection of grace. The imperfection of law was transformed into the perfection of grace. These jars held 180 gallons of water, which was to be transformed into excellent wine. What was originally lacking is now to be found superabundance.

Aside from the rich theological significance of the transformation of water into wine, let us reflect on the simplicity and “homeliness” of the act. Jesus knew that the lack of wine would be source of embarrassment to the groom and misfortune for the guests. He did not rejoice in the misfortune of others, but used his great power to save a simple man of Cana from humiliation. Let us imitate his example and be concerned with the simple needs of those around us and how we can fulfill them.

 

A BLESSED JOURNEY OF LENT!

 

MEN’S & LADIES SOCIETY

The Ladies Society will hold their monthly meeting Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 7:00 pm. All Ladies of the parish are invited.

The Men’s Society will hold their monthly meeting Thursday,  February 5,  2015 at 6:30 pm.  All men of the parish are invited.

 

THANK YOU!

Sincere thanks and appreciation for all your support and your generosity to the Little Sisters during their visit at St. Raymond’s last weekend.

 

BENEDICTION OF THE CROSS

Every Friday during Lent, service of the Benediction of the cross will be celebrated at St. Raymond’s Cathedral at 7:00 pm followed by pot luck dinner in the Lebanon room.

February 20: The Ladies Society will sponsor the dinner

February 27: The Men’s Society will sponsor the dinner.

The rest of the schedule will be posted in the next bulletin.

 

BEST LENT EVER!

Lent begins February 16th. To help us prepare ourselves spiritually sign up for this “daily inspiration”  http://dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever. Lets have the best lent ever!

ASH MONDAY MASSES: 8 AM & 7 PM
ASH WEDNESDAY MASSES:  8 AM & 12 NOON

 

FAITHFUL DEPARTED

In our Maronite liturgical calendars, we will commemorate  The Faithful Departed the week of February 7-14 this year. During that week, please remember your faithful departed as family members or loved ones. Pray for them!

May all the Faithful departed through the Mercy of God, rest in peace! Amen.

 

SAVE THE DATE!

The Armenian A Cappella Trip Zulal will be at the Historic Wildey Theater in Downtown Edwardsville, Illinois on Sunday February 15, 2015 at 2:30 pm. Go to www.wildeytheater.com for more information.

 

WEDNESDAY LUNCH!

There will be no Wednesday lunch on Ash Wednesday, February 18th. We will reopen Wednesday February 25th. We appreciate your business!

 

LADIES SOCIETY FASHION SHOW!

Mark your calendars for  Sunday, March 8, 2015 for the spring fashion show featuring lunch, shopping, fashion show and a sangria bar! Tickets go on sale February 1st! For more information, please contact Gina Fanetti at

straymondsladiessociety@gmail.com.