on empty?
"The wine ran out, and Jesus' mother told Him, 'They have no more wine.' " —John 2:3
In John's Gospel, Jesus began His public ministry at a wedding feast where they had "no more wine." Likewise, many people begin to let Jesus work in their lives when they realize they are out of wine, love, strength, energy, ideas, or hope. In the weakness of our emptiness, God's power in us can reach perfection (2 Cor 12:9).
It is literally true that without Jesus we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). Of ourselves, we are always on "empty" in the important things in life. Life is an impossible situation. This gradually or at least eventually becomes obvious. We are doomed to despair. Who can save us? (see Rm 7:24)
Jesus alone is our Savior. "There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved" (Acts 4:12). So the most important thing in life is to give our lives and our emptiness totally to Jesus. We must take Mary's advice and do whatever Jesus tells us (Jn 2:5). Jesus is our only Hope.
Hope in His lordship over our lives. Hope through our obedience to Him. He will take us from our emptiness to the fullness of the wedding feast of heaven (see Rv 19:7). Thank You, Jesus!
Prayer: Father, I rejoice that "absolute fullness" resides in Jesus (Col 1:19).
Promise: "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." —Is 62:1
Praise: Reading and pondering the daily Mass readings have helped George remain constant in his Catholic faith. He makes it a practice to share his insights on the daily Scriptures with several people each day. Praise You, risen Jesus, the Living Word. Alleluia!
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 16, 2018
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