“Race has become something that, in many homes, in many places, is encountered when you see it on the news,” says the Rev. Kareem Smith. “But to look at it as a gift, to see other people as a gift and what they have to offer as something that is beautiful—that is to see the creation of God.”
On “Preach” this week, the Rev. Kareem Smith, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Co-op City, the Bronx, reflects with host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., on the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time—the wedding at Cana. Connecting the scarcity of wine and the tension between Jesus and his mother to modern challenges like racial justice and political divides, Kareem points to the tension many feel as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Donald Trump’s second inauguration fall on the same day, Jan. 20, 2025. “There’s this breakdown in conversation,” he says of the state of the nation. “We desire to be heard, but are we failing to listen?”
Kareem, who is also president of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, emphasizes Mary’s words—“Do whatever He tells you”—as a call to trust God to transform scarcity into abundance and view divisions as opportunities for renewal through humility and faith.
Scripture Readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
First Reading: Is 62:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10
Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:4-11
Gospel: Jn 2:1-11
You can find the full text of the readings here.
Homily for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, by Kareem Smith
Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, as we gather on this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Word of God invites us to reflect on God’s transformative power in our lives and in our world. The Gospel takes us to Cana, where Jesus performs His first public miracle, turning water into wine. This act of abundance and renewal is a sign of the Kingdom of God breaking into our reality.
But as we reflect on this joyful moment, we also face the pressing realities of our world. This weekend, we commemorate the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a modern-day hero who gave his life for the cause of justice and equality. We also stand in a time of national tension, reflecting on the divisions that have surfaced as we prepare to move forward under the leadership of a new president, Donald Trump.
Our faith does not exist in a vacuum. The Scriptures and the example of Christ demand that we confront the injustices of our world, just as Dr. King did. Today, let us consider how the Gospel calls us to be agents of transformation, especially in addressing the persistent racial tensions and inequalities that plague our nation.
The Gospel of John tells us the story of the wedding at Cana, where Jesus, at the urging of His mother Mary, turns water into wine. What strikes me about this miracle is not only its beauty but also its setting. Jesus performs His first public act of power not in a synagogue or before great crowds but at a simple village wedding.
The miracle begins with an ordinary human need. The wine has run out, threatening to bring embarrassment and disappointment to the hosts. Mary notices the problem and, with confidence in her son, simply says, “They have no wine.” Her words express both a deep faith and a deep compassion.
Jesus responds with a sign of abundance and joy, transforming six stone jars of water into the finest wine. This miracle is more than just a solution to an immediate problem; it is a foretaste of the Kingdom of God—a kingdom where lack and scarcity are replaced by abundance, and where shame is replaced by joy.
The first reading from the prophet Isaiah offers another powerful image of God’s transformative love. The prophet speaks of a new identity for the people of Israel:
“You shall be called My Delight, and your land Espoused… As a bridegroom rejoices in his bride, so shall your God rejoice in you.”
This vision reminds us that God delights in His people and desires their flourishing. But flourishing requires transformation. Just as Jesus transforms water into wine, God wants to transform our lives and our communities and our nation. This transformation is not just spiritual but also social. It involves justice, equity and peace.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., understood this vision of God’s Kingdom. He believed in a world where all people, regardless of race, would live as brothers and sisters, bound together by love and justice. His dream was deeply rooted in the Gospel, in the conviction that God desires the full flourishing of every human being.
But Dr. King also knew that transformation does not come easily. He faced fierce resistance, imprisonment, and ultimately death because he dared to speak out against the evils of racism, segregation, and poverty. Yet he remained steadfast, reminding us that “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
Today, as we remember Dr. King’s legacy, we must ask ourselves: Are we willing to carry on his work? Are we willing to confront the injustices of our time, even when it is uncomfortable or costly?
As we reflect on the current state of our nation, it is clear that we are in a time of great tension. The election and upcoming inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump have brought to light deep divisions, particularly around issues of race, immigration, and economic inequality. Many are fearful about what the future holds, and the anger and hostility on all sides seem overwhelming.
In this moment, the Gospel calls us to be peacemakers and bridge builders. St. Paul reminds us in today’s second reading that the Spirit has given each of us unique gifts for the common good. Whether we are gifted with wisdom, knowledge, or compassion, these gifts are meant to be used to build up the Body of Christ and heal the wounds of division.
As Christians, we must:speak the truth in love, challenging racism, discrimination, and injustice wherever we encounter them.
As Christians, we must advocate for policies and practices that promote the dignity of every person, especially the poor and marginalized.As Christians, we must seek to listen and understand, even when we disagree, fostering dialogue instead of division.
Dr. King reminds us that “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” As disciples of Christ, we are called to be that light and love in our broken world.
The Church has a critical role to play in this work. Just as Jesus transformed water into wine, the Church is called to be an agent of transformation in society. We are called to proclaim the dignity of every human being, to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and to be a prophetic voice of justice and peace.
This work begins in our own hearts and communities. We must examine our own biases and prejudices, asking God to transform us so that we can be instruments of His grace. We must also strengthen our relationships within the church, ensuring that our parishes are places of welcome where all people are seen and heard. As the Black Christian Theological Tradition reminds us, “there is plenty of good room in my Father’s house.”
The miracle at Cana reminds us that Jesus has the power to transform not only water into wine but also our lives and our world. Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that this transformation requires courage, perseverance and faith.
In a time where we are constantly bombarded with bad news, we are called to interrupt the cycle of bad news and bring the good news of the gospel. As we stand at this crossroads in our nation’s history, let us trust in God’s ability to bring about renewal and reconciliation. Let us commit ourselves to being instruments of His peace, working tirelessly for justice and unity.
And let us never forget that the same God who rejoices over us as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride is with us in this work, guiding us and strengthening us every step of the way.
May we go forth from this table with courage, proclaiming the Good News of God’s Kingdom and working for a world where all people can flourish. We will accomplish this if we do whatever He tells us.
