Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, 2025

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, 2025

Reflection by Fr Collins Akhigbe, OP

Scriptural Passages

1^st reading. Isaiah 62:1-5. Psalm 96. 2^nd reading. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Gospel. John 2:1-11

Theme: Prepare For Eternity

The first reading and the gospel use the image of a wedding to describe the relationship between God and his people. The prophet Isaiah promises that Jerusalem, destroyed and abandoned, will once again become the beloved spouse of God. The Church is the new Jerusalem. On the last day, there will be a wedding of the Lamb and his spouse, the Church. The wedding at Cana in today’s gospel reading should point our mind to heaven, reminding us about the wedding of the Lamb. The scripture has this to say, “Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” (Rev 19:9). The second reading tells about the various gifts and charism which the holy Spirit to individuals to contribute to the growth of the Church on earth and to prepare for eternity. The wedding of the Lamb and the chosen people of God should remind us on the need to prepare for eternity. The whole time given to us here on earth is to prepare for eternity. This time is very essential and critical. This is why I have titled this write up, “prepare for eternity”. To prepare for eternity by living holy and righteous life is to prepare for the wedding feast of the Lamb. Preparation for eternity is essential for believers as it shapes our perspective, priorities, and actions in this life, ensuring that we focus on what truly matters in light of eternity. In this reflection, we shall highlight why we should prepare for eternity and how to prepare for eternity.

Why We Should Prepare For Eternity

First, preparation for eternity shifts our focus from temporal concerns to eternal realities, reminding us that this life is temporary and that our ultimate destiny lies beyond this world. By keeping an eternal perspective, we find hope, purpose, and comfort in God’s promises of eternal life (2 Cor 4:17-18, Col. 3:2).

Second, we should prepare for eternity because this is the will of God for each and every one of us. Believers are called to live in readiness for Christ’s return and the final judgment, knowing that we will all give an account of our lives before God. By preparing for eternity, we remain vigilant, faithful, and diligent in our walk with the Lord, seeking to hear His approval and “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mtt. 25:21). In a summary, we should prepare for eternity because, we are going to give account of our stewardship here on earth, it is inescapable.

Third, we should prepare for eternity because of the promise of eternal life. The Lord promised eternal life to those who believe in Him and accept His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. By preparing for eternity, we hold on to the hope of spending eternity in the presence of God, free from sin, pain, and suffering, and filled with joy, peace, and glory (John 3:16; 1 John 5:11).

Fourth, when we prepare for eternity, we store treasures in heaven. The Master teaches us to store treasures in heaven rather than on earth, where moth and rust destroy. By investing in spiritual growth, acts of love, and service to others, we lay up treasures in heaven that will last for eternity (Mt 6:19-21).

Fifth, preparation for eternity brings about deeper relationships with God. The more we strive to do the will of God in view of eternity, we grow in our communion with Christ. The Master told us, if you love me and keep my word, my Father will love you and we will come and dwell with you (John 14:23).

Sixth, preparation for eternity free us from the love of the world and attachment to the things of this passing world. The scripture tells us, do not love the world and the things of the world, if you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you (1 John 2:15). Another reason, why we should prepare for eternity is because, this is the only chance we have to prepare for our heavenly home. If we miss this opportunity, it is too late, because, there is no repentance in the grave.

How To Prepare For Eternity

Preparation for eternity involves intentional steps and practices that nurture our spiritual life, deepen our relationship with God, and align our hearts with His will and purposes. Here are some of the ways we can prepare for eternity.

First, the starting point is to have holy desire to be a Saint. We cannot become living saints by accident, it begins with a strong desire for holiness and for God. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (Mt 5:6). The more we hunger and thirst for God, the more we grow in union with God. The scripture says, draw closer to God and God will draw closer to you. (James 4:8).

Second, we should be sorrowful and contrite over our past sinful lives. This means we embrace repentance and conversion. If we sincerely desire to turn away from sin, the holy Spirit will come to our aid. With the help of the holy Spirit, no one can experience true repentance. The holy Spirit is the one that make a person come to his senses like the prodigal son. (Lk.15:17). The Master started his public ministry with the message of repentance (Mt 4:17).

Third, we should cultivate a strong, vibrant faith by studying God’s Word, meditating on His promises, and trusting in His sovereignty over all things. The scripture tells us that faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom 10:17). Through feeding on the sacred scriptures we experience intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. The Lord speaks to us when we meditate on his words. This is very helpful spiritual exercise we should not take for granted.

Fourth, we should live a life of faith, hope and love. The apostle Paul tells us that three things that last are faith, hope and love. The greatest is love (1 Cor 13:13). This means, we should live a life of virtues. To love God above all things and to love your neighbor is the fulfilment of the commandments (Mk 12:29-31). We should believe in Jesus and accept him in our lives. The Master told his disciples, go to the whole world and proclaim the kingdom, whoever believes and is baptized will be saved (Mk 16:15-16).

Fifth, we should submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. In other words, we should allow the holy Spirit to work in our lives, transforming our hearts, mind, and character to reflect the image of Christ. The apostle Paul tells us to live by the Spirit. When we live by the Spirit, we would not gratify the flesh. We would bear fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

Sixth, living a life of prayer, mortification and vigilance, will enable us to overcome temptation and sin. The Master told us to watch and pray for the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Mt 26:41). The more we remain on our knees and become vigilant the more we are capable of living a life of the Spirt. We should watch over our senses, our thoughts, words, companions, habits and actions. This will enable to overcome the world. A life of fasting strengthens the Spirit and weakens the inordinate desires of the flesh. These are some of the means through which we can prepare for eternity.

Prayers

Lord, help us to prepare for the ultimate wedding on the last day. Lord, give us the grace to over temptation and sins. Lord, deliver us from the love of the world. Lord, help us to love you above all things. Lord, help us to be submissive to your divine will and providence. Lord, please, sustain us till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday.

With Lots of prayers and love.

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