As
Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became 'sin' for
our sake (2Cor 5:21), the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father
declares Him the beloved Son (Mt 3:17), while the Spirit descends on Him
to invest Him with the mission which He is to carry out.
The
Wedding
at Cana
at Cana
The first of the signs, given at Cana (Jn 2:1- 12), when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers.
The
Proclamation of the Kingdom
The
preaching by which Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls
to conversion (Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to
Him in humble trust (Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7:47- 48): the inauguration of that
ministry of mercy which He continues to exercise until the end of the
world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which He has
entrusted to His Church (Jn 20:22-23).
The
Transfiguration
The
mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally
believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead
shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished
Apostles to 'listen to Him' (Lk 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to
experience with Him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with Him to
the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit.
The
Institution of the Eucharist
Christ
offers His body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and
testifies 'to the end' His love for humanity (Jn 13:1), for whose salvation
He will offer Himself in sacrifice.