Homily for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time January 19, 2025

A successful businessman once was asked the secret of success. His reply summed up success in three words: AND THEN SOME. He learned early in life that the difference between average people and the truly successful could be simply stated in those three words. Top people did what was expected and then some!

These words could apply to our lives in various ways. Practice your faith faithfully—and then some. Give generously of your time—and then some. Greet those you meet with a smile—and then some. Meet your obligations; be dependable—and then some. Do your best in all things and at all times—and then some.

In today’s Gospel reading we find Jesus practicing this approach to life. When his mother points out the embarrassing problem of the hosts running out of wine at a wedding feast, Jesus at first seems reluctant. He says his hour has not yet come, probably meaning that he isn’t quite ready to start his public ministry. Maybe he’s got more praying or more planning to do. But Mary kind of ignores his protest, and simply tells the waiters: Do whatever he tells you.

Well, Jesus does something remarkable. John, the author of the Gospel, says this is Jesus first “sign”—his first indicator of who he is, what kind of power he has, and why people should believe in him. And Jesus goes overboard! Can you imagine, it’s something like 120 to 180 gallons of wine. That must have been some wedding.

But it is the way Jesus operates. It’s as if he’s saying: You want some wine? I’ll give you some wine—and then some! And it’s not just the quantity. The headwaiter lets us in on a catering secret: best wine first, then when people are tipsy, the cheap stuff. But now he marvels: this new wine that is presented to him isn’t cheap; as a matter of fact, it’s the best—top shelf.

We find this same approach by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel. For example, he teaches, “You have heard the commandment, ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.’ But what I say to you is: offer no resistance to injury. When a person strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the other. If anyone wants to go to law over your shirt, hand him your coat as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the man who begs from you. Do not turn your back on the borrower.

“You have heard the commandment, ‘You shall love your countrymen but hate your enemy.’ My command to you is: love your enemies, pray for your persecutors. This will prove that you are children of your heavenly Father…. If you love those who love you, what merit is there in that?” (Matthew 5:38-46).

So, you see? Jesus’ approach is like that of the successful businessman: and then some. Don’t do the least you can possibly get away with. Become more active. Show that you care. There are so many people hurting today. We just had a meeting of our Justice and Peace Committee. The numbers of people who come for Community Meals each week is well over 200. We’re being told that some people wouldn’t make it without our help. At our schools, if there weren’t free lunches, many would have nothing to eat.

When it comes to hospitality, welcoming the stranger, and making people feel at home; and when it comes to reaching out to offer help, to make life a bit more bearable for people who are struggling: I’m proud of all that we’re doing. But there’s always more that can be done. If you can volunteer, let us know. If you haven’t donated food in a while, please consider it. If you can contribute warm winter clothing, there’s a great need.

Don’t settle for a lukewarm faith. Don’t respond with half a heart. If you want to imitate the lavish generosity and compassion of Jesus, try to make a difference. Do what you can—and then some!